*New* - WELFARE - Pregnancy and Chlamydia Test Request System
It is now possible to request a FREE pregnancy or Chlamydia test ANONYMOUSLY.
Using the ‘Anonymous Email’ facility to the right of this page, just let us know the nature of your request (i.e. pregnancy test/Chlamydia test) and the letter of the pigeon hole (i.e. ‘J’) that you would like the test left in.
You do not have to leave your name or email address to do this.
The test will be available for you to collect from the relevant pigeon hole in an unmarked envelope within 24 hours of the initial request, and this will contain instructions on how to use them. Other items relating to sexual health are still available from the board outside the GCR office, and on request from members of the GCR during office hours. These include a variety of different condoms, dental dams, and lubricants.
Any queries or concerns please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (Interim Welfare Officer)

Learn more about the issues that can affect you and others:

• Alcohol and Drugs
• Mental Health
• Sexual Health
• General Health

Alcohol and Drugs

Of all the drugs available in the UK, alcohol is responsible for more damage and homicides than all the other drugs put together. It is addictive and can take hold over time.

Excessive drinking can cause a multitude of damage to the body as well as psychological harm, including:

• Psychological: depression, anxiety, anger, suicidal feelings, memory loss. Alcohol can also increase feelings of anger.
• Physical: liver damage, pancreas disorders, stomach damage, sexual difficulties, high blood pressure, heart disease, nerve tissue damage, skin disorders, weight problems, potentially fatal alcohol poisoning and increased risk of some forms of cancer.

As alcohol use is socially acceptable in the UK, it is important to know when to stop and to recognise when you have a problem.

Some of the main symptoms of an addiction to alcohol to be aware of are:

• Needing a drink every day
• Drinking alone
• Drinking first thing in the morning
• A strong urge to drink
• Not being able to stop drinking once you have started.

Any one or a combination of the above symptoms can be an indicator of problematic drinking. Identifying your problem and seeking help is often the most difficult but the most important aspect of dealing with your drink problem. Remember that there is no shame in admitting a problem.

There are many useful details in the contact section if you wish to contact someone.

If you do drink, it is important to do it safely. As a a general rule of thumb, it is probably wise to remember that if you have a hangover the next day, you probably drank too much the previous day.

Remember that:

• You should eat before you go out
• Not binge drink - don't save your weekly units for one session
• Don't play 'catch up' if you arrive late and don't try and keep pace with friends that drink more than you
• Don't mix alcohol with drugs
• Drinking water before you go to bed and alternating your alcoholic drinks with a soft drink during the night will help reduce your level of dehydration
• If you are driving with the legal limit for alcohol in your blood, you are more than twice as likely to have an accident than if you had not been drinking so if you're drinking DON'T drive.
• Take a break after a heavy session to allow your body to recover

For a safe night out:

• Before leaving, plan how you will get home
• Take your phone
• Use only licensed cabs and DON'T get into a stranger's car
• Don't leave your drink unattended
• Don't accept drinks from strangers
• Tell your friends your plans
• Don't walk home on your own
• Carry a condom for safe sex
• Walk away from fights

If you can't afford a taxi, remember that the Nightbus phone number can be found on the back of your campus card and can be called to arrange pick up on nights out for £1.

Drink Spiking

Drink spiking is when drugs are added to your drink without your knowing and will often have no colour, taste or smell. Your drink may look cloudy or change in colour or consistency but will mostly look unchanged, especially in bottles.

The effects include dizziness, becoming more relaxed and losing sensory perception. It is at this time when you could be at risk sexual assault or theft after which you may fall unconscious and be unable to remember exactly what happened.

Don't leave your drink unattended and don't accepting drinks from strangers and don't drink your drink has changed taste or consistency.

If someone falls unconscious then call an ambulance immediately on 999 or 112 from any telephone (mobile or landline).

You can have tests to find out if your drink has been spiked at the University Health Centre the next day.

If your drink has been spiked you can fill out an incident report form, which can be completed in complete confidence, with details of what happened the night before which will assist the Police. These can be downloaded from the website or picked up from the Welfare Room.

Durham is generally safe so please don't feel paranoid, but it is important that we make you aware of the situation none the less.

Drugs

There are various drugs that are illegal in the United Kingdom, listed below into their different classifications. Class A has the most severe repercussions if found in possession. It is important to remember that if you are caught in possession of drugs, it may not only be a criminal matter for the Police, but you could find yourself in serious trouble with the University.

It is also important to state, however, that drugs and having a drug problem doesn't have to be just associated with illegal drugs.

DO NOT be pressurised into doing anything you don't want to you. It is your body and it is your choice - you can always walk away.

Class A

Heroin, methadone, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, amphetamines, magic mushrooms prepared for use are all Class A drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

A conviction for possession can lead to a maximum of seven years in prison, a fine and permanent criminal record. Conviction for supply or intent to supply can lead to life imprisonment and a fine.

Class B

Amphetamines (speed) and barbiturates are Class B drugs.

A conviction for possession can lead to a maximum of five years in prison, a fine and a permanent criminal record. A conviction for supply or intent to supply,could result in 14 years imprisonment, a fine and a permanent criminal record.

Class C

Cannabis, anabolic steroids and benzodiazepines (tranquillisers such as Valium, Temazepam) are Class C drugs, as well as some mild amphetamines. Possession could result in a two-year prison sentence, a fine and a permanent criminal record.

Do I, or a friend, have a drug problem?

Some people can end up having a problem with drugs and drug usage and it can be a long time before you realise there's a problem.

It is important to remember that you don't have to be an 'addict' to have a drug problem.

Some of the possible symptoms of an addiction to drugs to be aware of are:

• Having a favourite drug
• Using drugs when you're alone
• Using drugs because you're bored, lonely or anxious
• Planning your day to make sure you can use drugs
• Needing to use more and more drugs to get the desired effect
• Being irritable or anxious if you don't use drugs

Overdosing

There is always a risk of overdosing with drugs, both legal and illegal. It is important to realise that risks from taking drugs increase when:

• Mixing drugs and alcohol
• Uses drugs after a period of abstinence when tolerance will be low
• Having a history of overdose
• Having a high drug intake
• Having suicidal thoughts
• Feeling depressed

Overdose Action

You should take action if:

• The user is unwakeable
• A user is snoring deeply as deep snoring can be associated with breathing difficulties.
• Their skin is turning blue
• The user has stopped breathing

The first action to take is to unblock the airways and to place them in the recovery position and to to dial 999 (or 112) from any landline, payphone or mobile telephone. Be aware that you may need to dial 9 to get an outside line in some buildings.