Keeping the lines open at Nightline

I joined Nottingham Nightline because I’ve always struggled with my own mental health. Growing up, I was a shy and often lonely kid, and I wished so much that a service like Nightline had been there for me. I also volunteered with an online listening service, which showed me how powerful it can be just to have someone on the other end who understands.

Being able to talk openly to another student about what’s on your mind, without any fear of judgment, is incredible — and that’s exactly what Nightline offers. So, when I came to Nottingham to study Psychology, I applied straight away. I knew this was something I truly wanted to be part of and I didn’t want to waste any time.

Volunteering with Nightline has completely shaped my experience as a student. I joined in my first year and have been on committee since my second. I have met some of the most amazing and kind people in the service, who I am glad to call my friends.

On top of that I truly believe it has shaped how I interact with the world around me in my adult life. From the experience training and having been a listening volunteer, I have learned to see and interact with the world in a new way. It has been an irreplaceable experience for me and other volunteers alike. Although there have been harder times, it is all incredibly rewarding.

Having had the chance to help and support people in this way is truly a gift that I hope can be continued by students for years to come.

Nightline has existed for more than 50 years and started as an initiative to address the high suicide rates of students, primarily by being an easily accessible way to access support without shame or judgement. Nightlines as a collective have grown so much from this.

Nottingham Nightline exists as a service for all students to be heard about anything on their mind. We take every call seriously. Students can call us for anything, something like academic stress, loneliness, financial difficulties, social issues, mental health concerns or just as someone to talk to at 3am. We support students through some incredibly difficult times when they may feel unable to call anyone else. we are incredibly glad to be able to provide a service people feel able to trust.

Alumni donations are absolutely essential to us, especially now. With the closure of the Nightline Association and the cost-of-living crisis putting pressure on universities, budgets for student services have been cut significantly. That makes alumni support vital for keeping Nightline running. Donations fund our training, awareness campaigns, and resources — all the things we need to make sure students know we’re here when they need someone to talk to. Beyond the practical side, it means a lot to know that alumni believe in the importance of listening and want to make sure this support continues for future students.

We make a real difference to the Nottingham community by offering a safe, confidential space where students can share what’s on their mind without fear of being judged. The chance to talk openly with another student can ease loneliness and bring comfort during difficult times. Just last year, we answered more than 1,490 calls and 640 instant messages — providing more than 2,471 hours of listening support. Each of those conversations shows how vital our service is. By being there, we help reduce isolation, foster connection, and create a more caring and supportive university environment.

Alumni support means everything to us, because Nightline is often the place students turn to when they feel they have nowhere else to go. Your gift could be the reason a student makes it through a difficult night, knowing that someone is there to listen without judgement. Every donation helps us keep our lines open, train volunteers, and raise awareness so that students know they don’t have to struggle alone. In a time when mental health needs are higher than ever and university budgets are stretched thin, alumni generosity is what makes it possible for Nightline to be there, night after night, for anyone who needs a listening ear. On behalf of Nightline, thank you so much for standing with us - your support truly changes lives.