Christmas Wellbeing and Events

Useful Links

Accommodation

Emergency & Out of Hours Support

firstpoint

Security

STAR (Support, Triage, Advice, Refer)

Student Support and Wellbeing Team

Student Minds: Winter Break

Worcestershire Winters Well

Whether you’re heading home or staying in Worcester, here’s everything you need to know about University closures, festive events, and local activities.

As some of our usual support services will be closed over the festive break, you’ll also find guidance here on where to go for help during this period.

For life-threatening emergencies, if you or someone else is in immediate danger or at risk of serious injury or illness, call 999

Please keep checking this page, as it will continue to be updated!

FIRSTPOINT

Although firstpoint will close at 4.00pm on Tuesday 23rd December 2025, you can still visit the firstpoint webpages for information and advice on a range of subjects.  This also includes details of external sources of support for a wide selection of concerns.

firstpoint will reopen at 9.00am on Monday 5th January 2026.

UNIVERSITY SECURITY

The University has a security team on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, responding to emergency, safety and welfare or first aid issues. You can visit them on campus, call them on 01905 855000, or email securityteam@worc.ac.uk.

ACCOMMODATION SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS LIVING ON CAMPUS

The Accommodation Hub on the St John’s Campus will be open as follows:

Friday, 19 December 2025 – 10.00am-8.00pm
Saturday, 20 December 2025 – 10.00am-6.00pm
Sunday, 21 December 2025 – 10.00am-6.00pm
Monday, 22 December 2025 – 10.00am-8.00pm
Tuesday, 23 December 2025 – 10.00am-8.00pm
Wednesday, 24 December 2025 – 10.00am-6.00pm
Thursday, 25 December 2025 – Hub closed, contact Security
Friday, 26 December 2025 – Hub closed, contact Security
Saturday, 27 December 2025 – 10.00am-4.00pm
Sunday, 28 December 2025 – 10.00am-4.00pm
Monday, 29 December 2025 – 10.00am-8.00pm
Tuesday, 30 December 2025 – 10.00am-8.00pm
Wednesday, 31 December 2025 – 10.00am-6.00pm
Thursday, 1 January 2026 – Hub closed, contact Security
Friday, 2 January 2026 – 10.00am-8.00pm
Saturday, 3 January 2026 – 10.00am-6.00pm
Sunday, 4 January 2026 – 10.00am-6.00pm

From Monday, 5 January 2026, normal hours.

Students in halls can also contact the University’s Security team on 01905 855000.

DIGITAL SERVICES

Digital Services will continue to offer full IT support while the University is open until close of business on the 23rd December.

During the winter break, support switches over to Norman Managed Services (NMS) using the same IT Service Desk number: 01905 85 7500, in the same manner as during the evenings in normal hours.

Read more on the Digital Services webpages.

THE HIVE

Christmas and New Year Opening Times
Christmas Eve 24th December – 8:30-13:00
Christmas Day 25th December – CLOSED
Boxing Day 26th December – CLOSED
New Year’s Day 1st January – CLOSED

The Hive’s normal opening times are: 8.30am – 10pm, Monday – Sunday

Worcestershire Libraries are part of the Warm Welcome Network which lists venues that can provide a warm welcome for those struggling to heat their homes this winter.

POLICE 101

For non-emergency police enquiries, call 101. There are some things you can report to the police online, which will be dealt with by the control room in exactly the same way whether you report it online or call 101.

VICTIM ADVICE LINE – WEST MERCIA

The Victim Advice Line is a free and confidential victim support service provided by West Mercia Police. Call on 0800 952 3000, or there is the option to chat online or via email.

NHS 111

A 24/7 telephone service that allows you to access local health services. Call 111 if you have an urgent (but non-life threatening) medical problem and you’re not sure what to do.

NHS CRISIS LINE

Whether you experience a sudden deterioration of an existing mental health problem or are experiencing problems for the first time, you may need immediate expert support to identify the best course of action to help you.  

SAMARITANS

Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, 24/7, 365 days a year. You can get in touch about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue feels. Call 116 123 for free or e-mail jo@samaritans.org.

PAPYRUS HOPELINE UK

A confidential support and advice service for young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide. Available 24 hours a day, every day including weekends and bank holidays. Call 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039 967, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org. There is also live chat available on the Papyrus webpage.

STUDENT SPACE

Student Minds’ superb resource has a whole section about the holidays to support students who may be struggling. It also has articles and one-to-one support for whatever challenge you’re facing, designed specifically for students. Contact 0808 808 4994 from 3.00pm to midnight every day, email students@themix.org.uk for a response within 24 hrs, or access 24 hour text support from a trained volunteer: to start a conversation, text ‘STUDENT’ to 85258.

SHOUT 24-HOUR TEXT LINE

Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for confidential help and support from trained responders, whenever you need it, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  See the Give Us A Shout webpage for more information.

C.A.L.M. – THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST LIVING MISERABLY

Free, confidential helpline 0800 585858 & webchat from 5pm – midnight every day, for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems.

WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 

The Worcestershire Winters Well webpages has advice and support to stay physically, mentally and financially well this winter, provided by Worcestershire County Council. It includes topics such as loneliness and isolation, warm spaces in libraries and how to prepare for emergencies.

Please keep checking, as this page will continue to be updated!

  • Thursday 11th December: 7pm in the Hangar
    Christmas Movie Night: Nativity
    Co-hosted by Residential Life Team and the Cocktail Society. Pizza and mocktails provided!
  • Monday 15th December: 12-2pm in the Charles Hastings Café
    Tis the season to play boardgames! Join us to play a classic, learn something new or bring along a favourite.
  • Tuesday 16th December: 10am in firstpoint
    Children’s Christmas Carols from the pupils of Oldbury Park Primary School, a mixture of traditional and modern classics! Join us for a sing-along!
  • Wednesday 17th December: 12-3pm in the Hangar
    Christmas Crafternoon, with themed activities including crackers, snow globes and cards.
  • Thursday 18th December: 7pm in the Hangar
    Christmas Movie Night – the Residential Team host another seasonal classic.
  • Friday 19th December: 10am-12pm in firstpoint
    Christmas Coffee Morning with the “Fancy a Cuppa?” team – mark the end of teaching in 2025 with a hot drinks, snacks, chat and Christmas music.
  • Tuesday 23rd December – 2nd January in Peirson Study and Guidance Centre
    As the University prepares for its Christmas closure, a dedicated Christmas Social Space will be available for students staying on campus or in the local area during the festive period. This space offers a warm, welcoming environment to relax and connect.

    Where to Find It
    The ground floor study area of the Peirson Study and Guidance Centre (opposite firstpoint) will be transformed into a cozy Christmas Social Space.

    Access:
    The building is open 24/7 and can be accessed with your student ID card.
    If your card does not grant access, please visit Main Reception, where the Security team can update your permissions.

    Opening Dates
    Opens: Tuesday 23 December 2025
    Closes: Friday 2 January 2026

    What to Expect
    – Festive music
    – Biscuits and drinks
    – Games, colouring and puzzles
    – Christmas trees and seasonal decorations

    Please note: The Christmas Social Space will not be staffed, but support is available from the Security team at St John’s Reception:
    – Phone: 01905 855000
    – Email: securityteam@worc.ac.uk

    We hope this space brings some festive comfort and community to those spending the holiday season on campus.
    Christmas Social Space – more details to follow.

If you’re staying in Worcester over the holidays, there’s plenty to enjoy! From magical light displays to traditional pantomimes, here are some local highlights:

  • Ice Skating at Winter Glow (Malvern)

Dates: 21 November – 31 December 2025
Details: Large covered rink at Three Counties Showground, festive lights, food quarter, and Santa’s Grotto.
Website: https://winterglow.co.uk/ice-skating/

Pantomimes