News
Support over the minimum service days
Posted on behalf of: The Student Wellbeing Team
Last updated: Wednesday, 17 December 2025
The University will be operating under minimum service from Saturday 20th December until it returns to usual service on the 5th January. This means that the majority of staff will not be available, but will respond to you when we return. Over this period, security will still be available 24/7 for anyone to call in an emergency on 01273 873333,
Events over the minimum service days:
Res Life Games Club
20th December 2-4pm in Woodland 5 (Student Centre)
Drop in to the games club where you can hang out with friends, meet new people and enjoy your evening in a relaxed social space.
Visit to Arundel with the Chaplain
Saturday 20 December, departing from the Meeting House
Free train ticket provided.
Res Life Lounge
22nd December 7-9pm in Woodland 2 (Student Centre)
Drop in to the Res Life Lounge where you can hang out with friends, meet new people and enjoy your evening in a relaxed social space.
Cinema Trip: Home Alone
Tuesday 24 December, 3pm, Brighton Komedia Picturehouse
Free ticket, including a drink and festive pies.
24th December (Christmas Eve)
A Christmas Carol Comes to Life
5-7pm, Meeting House Quiet Room
Join Sussex's Lead Chaplain for music, festive refreshments, and readings from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol to celebrate the Christmas season.
Res Life Lounge
24th December 7-9pm in Woodland 2 (Student Centre)
Drop in to the Res Life Lounge where you can hang out with friends, meet new people and enjoy your evening in a relaxed social space.
Music and Mulled Wine on Christmas Day
25th December (Christmas Day)
12-3pm, Meeting House Quiet Room
Sussex's Chaplain for international students will host this relaxed gathering on Christmas day. Enjoy music and mulled wine as you play festive games and activities.
Undercliff Walk with Residential Life
27th December time TBC
Res Life Lounge
29th December 7-9pm in Woodland 2 (Student Centre)
Drop in to the Res Life Lounge where you can hang out with friends, meet new people and enjoy your evening in a relaxed social space.
Movie Night - Studio Ghibli
3rd January 6:30-9:30pm in Woodland 2 (Student Centre)
Come and see Studio Ghibli with Res Life Connectors for chat, connection and a nice time!
The Sports Centre opening times
The Sports Centre will be open for gym and badminton use during the winter break at the following times:
- Monday 22 Dec 9am-4pm
- Tuesday 23 Dec 9am-4pm
- Wednesday 24 Dec - Saturday 27 Dec closed
- Sunday 28 Dec 10am-4pm
- Monday 29 Dec 10am-4pm
- Tuesday 30 Dec 10am-4pm
- Wednesday 31 Dec - Friday 2 Jan closed
- Saturday 3 Jan onwards normal hours.
Falmer Sports Complex will be closed on the following dates:
- Sunday 21 December – Friday 2 January, inclusive
- will be in place outside of these dates.
If you’re in crisis
If you have reached crisis point and feel at risk of self-harm or of harm to others, call 999, visit or call the (MHRRS) on 03003 040078.
You can also contact the on 111, or the if you’re experiencing mental heath challenges or emotional difficulties.
Other sources of support include:
- at Dubarry House, Newtown Road, Hove, East ÃûæÂÖ±²¥, BN3 6AE or call 01273 772277 (local phone rates) or freephone 11612324
- – a local mental health service run by and for LGBTQ+ people with experience of mental health issues
-  offers a safe place for you to talk about whatever’s getting to you
- is a UK mental health charity who run a national, out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers
- 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service. You can text from wherever you are in the UK
- is a confidential support and advice service for under-35s who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide
-  provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem
-  is the UK’s charity for everyone’s mental health
- - free digital mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK.
uses the positive effects of healthy social networks in its community where people share with, and support one another anonymously.
It provides a proven way to get better together through peer to peer, anonymous conversation.
The service is moderated 24/7 by trained practitioners who keep members safe, and facilitate the process of people helping people in clinically managed online spaces.
The self-guided group and individual courses cover mental wellbeing and lifestyle topics. Togetherall also has a library of useful articles and resources, including helpful tests and features to track progress.
Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) resouces over festive period
Cranstoun
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Closed 25th and 26th December
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Closed from 29th December until 2nd January
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5th January service resume as normal
Switchboard
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Closed from mid day on 24th December until Friday 2nd January
Hersana
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Closed from Friday 19th December until Monday 5th January.
Veritas Justice
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Closed from Wednesday 24th December until Monday 5th January
DASS (Victim Support)
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Closed on 25th, 26th, and 1st.
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National 24/7 Support line and Live chat as a resource for victims at any time
Equinox
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Open throughout but not providing external support
Refuge (Stonewater)
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Closed on 25th, 26th, and 1st.
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Residents can contact staff on these days who will be on call
RISE
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Open except for bank holidays
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Helpline – closed 22nd December – 5th January
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Sanctury Scheme – open for referrals throughout but may take longer for less urgent cases
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Groups and drop ins won’t be running over christmas but will restart in the new year
Mankind
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Open except for bank holidays
Hourglass
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Closed from 12pm on 24th, opening on 5th January
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24/7 helpline still accessible over Christmas period - 0808 8808 8141

