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The University of Edinburgh will close at 5pm on Monday 23 December 2024, and reopen at 9am on Friday 3 January 2025.
If something happens to you during this period, please call 999 for emergencies.
Information on other support services is available Festive Holiday 2024/25 | The University of Edinburgh

We aim to keep the list of services and any changes in opening hours & contact details up to date, but encourage students to contact services directly for most current information. For specific information on waiting lists and which services are accepting referrals, please also contact the service directly.

Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre: Provides support to all victim-survivors in Edinburgh and the Lothians, including specialist counselling support and advocacy. Contact: 07966 067 301, 0131 556 9437 or support@ercc.scot.

Rape Crisis Scotland: Provides a national rape crisis helpline and email support for anyone of any gender affected by sexual violence. Contact: 0808 801 0302 (5 pm to midnight)

Edinburgh Women’s Aid: Provides a range of services for women experiencing domestic abuse including a dedicated court support project, and access to one-to-one support as required. Contact: 0131 315 8110 or duty@edinwomensaid.co.uk

Shakti Women’s Aid: Supports black minority ethnic (BME) women who are experiencing or who have previously experienced domestic abuse. Contact: 0131 475 2399

Scottish Women's Aid: Provides advice, support and safe accommodation for women (and their children) experiencing abuse by their partner or ex-partner. Contact: 0131 226 6606

Sexual Assault Response Co-ordination Service (SARCS): The NHS Scotland sexual assault self-referral service supports victim-survivors to access forensic medical examinations within 7 days of a rape or sexual assault, without making a report to the police. Follow up support can also be provided. Contact: 0800 148 8888 (24-hour service).

Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline: Provides confidential information and support to anyone affected by forced marriage or domestic abuse. Contact: 0800 027 1234 (24-hour service)

Galop: A charity that supports LGBT+ people affected by sexual violence. Contact:  0800 999 5428

FearFree: Support for people experiencing domestic abuse in Scotland who identify as a man or from the LGBT+ community. Contact: fearfreeinfo@sacro.org.uk or 0131 624 7270 (this is not a support line and calls may go to voicemail)

Scottish Women's Rights Centre: Provides legal advice, advocacy support, and information for female survivors of GBV. Contact: 08088 010 789

Survivors UK: A national helpline for men who have experienced sexual abuse. Support offered through web chat, WhatsApp and text. Contact: Text - 020 3322 1860 or live chat at www.survivorsuk.org

Abused Men in Scotland (AMIS): A national helpline for men affected by domestic abuse. Contact: 03300 949 395 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm)

Respect Men's Advice Line is an advice line for male victims of domestic abuse 0808 801 0327

Action Against Stalking: Offers a Throughcare Stalking Support Service to victims of stalking in Scotland. Contact: support@actionagainststalking.org or 0800 820 2427 (voicemail service).

The National Stalking Helpline: Provides information and advice on support and options available to individuals impacted by stalking. Contact: 0808 802 0300

Respect Phoneline: A confidential and anonymous helpline for anyone concerned about their own violence and/or abuse towards a partner or ex-partner. Contact: info@respectphoneline.org.uk or 0808 8024040.

Victim Support Scotland: Information and support for victims and witnesses of crime. Contact: 0345 603 9213 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm)

You My Sister: Provides practical and mental health support to female survivors of porn and sex industries. Contact: i@youmysister.org.uk or via their website.

Samaritans: Available to talk about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue. You don't have to be suicidal. Call: 116 123 (Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year)

Breathing Space: Where experienced advisors will listen and offer information and advice. Call: 0800 83 85 87 (Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am. Weekend: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am)

Edinburgh Nightline is a helpline for students, run by students, operating 8 pm – 8 am every night of term 0131 557 4444 

Edinburgh City Council list additional services here.

Crisis services can be accessed here.

Please remember, if you feel that you are in danger or at immediate risk of harm, you can contact Police Scotland or the ambulance service by dialing 999.

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