Alcohol and Drug Support
If you’re worried about alcohol or drugs — for yourself or someone you care about — you’re not alone. There are
many organisations that offer free, confidential, and non-judgemental support. Whether you’re looking for
advice, information, or someone to listen, help is available. This page will guide you to trusted services that
can provide the right kind of support when you need it.
Cardiff University Students’ Union does not condone the use of drugs, but wants to ensure that students are
making informed choices and are aware of the resources to help them stay safe. The best way to avoid harm or
punishment, is not to take drugs at all.
Emergency Support
If you or someone you know has consumed alcohol and/or drugs and is feeling unwell, dial 999
immediately.
If you are living in University Residences you can also call Security on 029 2087 4444.
For 24/7 emergency mental health support you can call NHS 111 and select option 2 to speak to
someone urgently about your mental health.
Student Advice
Student Advice is committed to providing confidential advice, information and support. We are an independent
service.
Student Advice does not share the information you give us with other individuals and/or organisations outside of
Cardiff University Students' Union without your express permission except in very exceptional circumstances; for
example, if we believe that you or other people are at risk of serious harm.
You can seek advice if;
- You are having trouble with your own consumption of drugs or alcohol;
- You are worried about your friend’s use of drugs or alcohol;
- You are upset that someone in your property is using drugs, or you are being affected by someone else’s use
of drugs or alcohol;
- You may be being investigated by the University under the Student Conduct or Fitness to Practise Procedure;
- Your study is being impacted and you feel that you need to take a break or report extenuating circumstances.
We can help you by providing independent, impartial advice for your circumstances.
Support Services
Alcohol Support Services
If you think you have an alcohol addiction or you are concerned about your alcohol consumption, seeking
professional support is an important first step.
It can be useful to visit your GP in the first instance. They will want to assess your physical health as
well as your mental health and will be able to recommend and refer to specialist services if appropriate.
You may also wish to contact one of the below services:
CAVDAS is a confidential service providing
information, support, and treatment for anyone in Cardiff and Vale with concerns about their own or other’s
use of drugs and alcohol. You can access this service via the contact details below, or visit them in the
Centre for Student Life every other Monday - click here for
more information.
Dan 24/7 is a free, confidential, and bilingual
telephone helpline and service providing a single point of contact for anyone in Wales wanting further
information, help or advice relating to drugs and alcohol.
BAROD is a service providing free, confidential advice to
individuals affected by alcohol and drugs, and by their friends and families’ drug and alcohol use. Barod
provides support for adults and young people and is a non-judgemental service.
- You can contact them here
Drug Support Services
If you are concerned about your substance use, or think you may have developed a dependency, seeking
professional support is an important first step.
Below, you’ll find links to trusted external services you can reach out to for guidance and assistance. These
organisations offer reliable information, practical harm-reduction advice, and professional support, no
matter your circumstances.
Frank is a free, confidential and
non-judgemental service providing honest information about drugs. They operate a 24/7 helpline, and can be
contacted via text, email and live chat also.
- Call 0300 123 6600
- Text 82111
- Use the webform
BAROD is a service providing free, confidential advice to
individuals affected by alcohol and drugs, and by their friends and families’ drug and alcohol use. Barod
provides support for adults and young people and is a non-judgemental service.
- You can contact them here
Dan 24/7 is a free, confidential, and bilingual
telephone helpline and service providing a single point of contact for anyone in Wales wanting further
information, help or advice relating to drugs and alcohol.
Gambling Support Services
Gemcare is a part of the National Gambling
Support network, providing free, confidential support for anyone who is experiencing harm from gambling,
including those affected by the gambling of others. They offer the national gambling helpline which is
available 24/7 via live web chat, phone, and WhatsApp, as well as online support services.
Ara Gambling services is a trusted partner of
Gamcare, offering free, confidential, specialised gambling help including counselling sessions for those in
Wales and the Southwest.
Wellbeing Support
For 24/7 emergency mental health support you can call NHS
111 and select option 2 to speak to someone urgently about your mental health.
If you have serious concerns for yourself or another student's safety, but it's not an emergency, it may be
appropriate to contact the university's Student Support Intervention Team (SSIT). You can access support
from this service through the Report and Support Tool.
The University’s Counselling and
Wellbeing Service are available to offer face to face and online appointments and self-help
resources. You can refer yourself into this service using the referral form on this
webpage.
The university are also offering a new Wellbeing
Drop-in Service which is not a counselling session, however a wellbeing advisor can talk through
difficulties with students and offer emotional support. They can also signpost students to and help them
access relevant services.
This service is available between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
To access this service you can:
- Ask for the Wellbeing Drop-in Service at the Student Connect Desk in the Centre for Student Life main
desk
- Book an appointment in advance through Student Connect portal.
- Book by calling Student Connect on 02922 518 888.
The University also have a range of self-help and wellbeing resources available on the Student Intranet. This
includes information and resources for managing stress, anger, and suicidal thoughts - Mental Health
self-help resources
Financial Support
If you are in financial hardship and cannot cover your essential costs, help may be available through the Money
Support Fund.
The Money Support Fund can help if you:
- have an unexpected crisis
- are considering leaving University
- need help to cover study costs
- are running out of money before the end of the term
You can check your eligibility on the Student Intranet here.
Once you have checked your eligibility, you can apply by logging in to your SIMS online account. You will
need to complete the online application form and include all supporting evidence required.
Further Information on applying for the Money Support Fund can be found on the Student Intranet here.
If you have any questions or need help to complete the form, email [email protected].
You can also seek advice and guidance from the University’s Advice
and Money Team who can be contacted through Student Connect.
Contact Student Advice
Cysylltwch â Chyngor i Fyfyrwyr
[email protected]
+44 (0)2920 781410