“Student Services aims to deliver accessible, inclusive, high quality support, advice and guidance to students…”
from “Student Services Vision”, 2019
What is a STAR appointment?
Open to all students, a STAR appointment provides students with access to a trained professional for help with any emotional, psychological or mental health issues that you may be experiencing. They are:
- Can be held in-person or via Microsoft Teams
- 30-minute appointments
- Available Monday – Friday, between 9am and 4:30pm
- Bookable using the online calendar or through firstpoint
How can I book a STAR appointment?
You can book using the service’s online calendar or by contacting firstpoint
What happens in a STAR appointment?
You’ll meet with an experienced, professional practitioner from the Counselling and Mental Health Service (CMH) who will work with you to identify the support needed to meet your individual needs.
You might discuss:
- Whether further support from CMH would be helpful to you and what form that might take.
- Your current issues and how they are affecting you;
- What you would like to be different;
- What would be an immediate plan as a first step to help you;
- A referral to other services quickly to help resolve issues;
- Online or self-help resources;
- Strategies to work on;
- Specific appointments that we recommend you book (e.g. GP)
- Support from other Student Services, like attending Fancy a Cuppa
What happens after a STAR appointment?
If you feel that you’ve been able to resolve the issue within your STAR appointment then nothing further will happen, and you’re always welcome to book another appointment in the future if things change.
It may be that further sessions from the CMH team will be beneficial to you. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss what this might be with the member of our team who you’re meeting. You’ll leave the STAR appointment with an action plan that will include ways that you can start to help yourself ahead of working with the team. These may include:
- Online or self-help resources;
- Strategies to work on;
- Specific appointments that we recommend you book (e.g. GP)
- Support from other Student Services, like attending Fancy a Cuppa
How long do I have to wait for a STAR appointment?
STAR appointments are available to book up to three weeks in advance.
If you need support quickly and you need a time-sensitive resolution, we may be able to arrange for you to be seen earlier. If you are not able to make the time or day offered, you may need to wait a little longer.
Can I refer someone else to get a STAR appointment?
If you’re concerned about another student there are a few options available to you. You can:
- Visit the Wellbeing Support web pages for information on the types of support for students
- Email the Student Support & Wellbeing Service
- Book a STAR appointment for yourself and discuss your concerns with a member of our team;
How long will I have for ongoing support? Why might I have to wait longer than someone else?
There are different ways the Counselling and Mental Health Service can support students however, appointments are booked on a first-come basis. If you are at risk or you need timely support, please do get in touch either by contacting us or though firstpoint.
If you are no longer able to attend the appointment that has offered to you please ensure you let us know as soon as you are able so that we can ensure the slot is not wasted.
If your situation has changed and you need more urgent support, you can book a STAR appointment.
Are there any other services outside of the university I can access whilst waiting?
As well as us, you can also find support via the Student Support and Wellbeing team. They also run a variety of events throughout the year aimed at helping students get the best from their time at university.
You can find out more about other non-University support services by visiting additional support.
If you are in a crisis, you can find information on further support either via our webpages or by contacting cmh@worc.ac.uk.
