From 19 January, the University Retreat will be renamed the University Front Room.
Based on Talbot Campus, the University Front Room provides a confidential, safe and welcoming space where students can speak to support workers, volunteers and peer specialists – all of whom have experienced mental health issues.
This is a name and branding change only — the service itself is staying exactly the same.
What does this mean for you?
- Same confidential, welcoming drop-in space
- Same support if you’re struggling or feeling close to crisis
- Same friendly team of support workers, volunteers and peer specialists
- Same location and same way to access the service.
- No referral is needed, and you don’t have to be in immediate crisis to visit.
The new name links the university service with the wider Community Front Room mental health support available across Dorset, making support easier to recognise and access.
Need urgent support?
- The Connection 24/7 helpline is always available:
- 0800 652 0190 or NHS 111
- The Student Assistance Programme: A free 24-hour confidential helpline and digital resource to support BU students with personal or student-related problems. Support is available in over 200 languages.
You’ll start to see the University Front Room name appearing on campus and online from 19 January. If you’ve used the University Retreat before, you can continue to use the service in exactly the same way.
