Talk to Nightline

Confidential & Anonymous

What is Nightline?

Nightline is a confidential and anonymous, listening and information service run by students, for the benefit of students. Contact us any night of term to talk about how you’re feeling or request information about other services. No problem is too big or too small for us: we’re simply here to listen to whatever is on your mind. We won’t judge you, and we won’t advise you on what to do next: that choice is left entirely up to you.

What we will do is give you a space to explore how you’re feeling in complete confidentiality, when friends or family may not be awake, and other services may not be available. We’re here whenever you need us, so do get in touch: we will listen, not lecture. If you have any questions or would like to get involved in another way, such as society collaboration, please email us at nightline@newcastle.ac.uk.

Contact Us

Not sure if we are open? Every day at 7pm we will post on our Instagram story (@newcastlenightline) whether we are open and which of our service are available.

Our service is open every night during terms time, so to find out our closing periods refer to the University Term Dates.

Instant Messenger 

You can use this service between 8pm-2am (Mon - Sun).  If you would like to speak to someone while we are closed, you can call Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123.

Phone Us

You can contact Nightline between 8pm-8am (Mon - Sun).  You can find the number on the back of your Student Card, or you can login below to reveal the number. If you would like to speak to someone while we are closed, you can call Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123.

If You Can't Reach Us

You are able to contact Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123. You could be going through something new or have been struggling to cope for some time, either way, Samaritans listening service is there if you feel you need some extra support.

Or you can text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258. Shout is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service. This service is available 24/7 to people in the UK. If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, trained Shout Volunteers are here for you, day or night.

Our Principles

There are 5 main core principles that underpin our service.

  • Non-judgemental: Our volunteers will not judge what you say and will support whatever it is you are going through.
  • Non-directive: You decide what to talk about and our volunteers won’t steer the conversation in any particular direction.
  • Non-advisory: Our volunteers will support you to come to your own decisions and will never tell you what to do.
  • Confidentiality: Calls and instant messages are confidential. Anything you discuss will not be shared outside of the service, unless under exceptional circumstances outlined in our Service Disclaimer under the Talk To Us section.
  • Anonymity: You and our volunteers (except our publicity volunteers) will remain anonymous. We do not record or store phone numbers or IP Addresses.

Disclaimer & Privacy

All calls are taken by two volunteers and may be monitored for training purposes. All calls are documented to assist volunteers with their training and ensure they offer the best service they can. All documentation is anonymous and does not identify the caller. This documentation can only be accessed by NUSU Nightline volunteers. Phone calls will be charged at standard operator rates.

NUSU Nightline will only break confidentiality and disclose information to relevant third parties in the following circumstances:

  • If a caller states that they are at risk of harming themselves and provides their exact location, the volunteer will call an ambulance. Simply expressing suicidal thoughts will not result in an ambulance being called immediately. NUSU Nightline is unable to identify the location of a call unless this is revealed by the caller and therefore volunteers will only call for an ambulance if the caller provides their exact location.
  • If a caller provides information regarding a current or potential serious threat towards others including a threat of terrorism, NUSU Nightline is required under the Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001 to contact the police.
  • If a caller declares they are under the age of 18 and provides information of current abuse against themselves, or a caller of any age provides information of current abuse against a minor, NUSU Nightline will pass this information on to the NSPCC.

In these three circumstances, the caller will be informed about the breach of confidentiality unless doing so may result in a further risk of harm to either the caller or other individuals. We may also keep personally identifiable information for a limited period of time to assist with this; the information will be deleted as soon as it is no longer required. Additionally, if NUSU Nightline receives a court order requesting them to disclose information to the police, they will be legally obliged to do so.

Volunteer With Us

Nightline is a student-run listening and information service. We would not be able to operate without our amazing volunteers. From answering calls and Instant Messages to advertising and raising awareness about Nightline, all our volunteers play a vital role in keeping the service running!

You will be able to develop a variety of skills depending on which role you choose, make new friends, and be part of a group of like-minded people who are passionate for helping others. Volunteering at Nightline will also contribute to Go Volunteer’s bronze, silver, and gold award for 25, 50 and 100 hours of volunteering, respectively. In addition, your hours will also contribute to the NCL+ award for those completing the award.

Lucy Leeds

Welfare & Equality Officer 2023-24

Laura Callaghan

Representation & Democracy Manager

Chiara Blows

Accessibility & Inclusion Coordinator

Kay Hattam

Wellbeing & Support Coordinator

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