Emergency contacts

If you witness a crime in progress, a person being harmed or threatened, or property being damaged, call the police on 999. 

In non-emergencies – for example, if you witness people acting suspiciously, or if a building needs temporary security after being damaged by weather or other causes, 01865 289999. 

To report a security incident or threat, you should in the first instance contact your buildings or facilities manager 

If out of normal working hours, contact the University Security Services' emergency number on 01865 289999. 

You can report a non-emergency incident (which occurs on land or property owned by the University, including the colleges) to Security Services by completing the online form. 

The University has a Mass Alert System in place to provide urgent safety information during serious incidents in Oxford where there may be a threat to life or risk of injury.

For more information, please contact the Security Control Room on 01865 272944 or email [email protected] or visit Safety and Security alert systems (SSO). 

If you feel like you might attempt suicide, or may have seriously harmed yourself, you need urgent medical help. Please:   

• call 999 for an ambulance;  
• go straight to A&E, if you can ; 
• or call your local crisis team, if you have their number.   

If you can't do this by yourself, ask someone to help you.   

Mental health emergencies are serious. You're not wasting anyone's time.   

If you can keep yourself safe for a short while, but you still need urgent advice: 

• contact NHS 111 if you live in England;
• contact your GP surgery and ask for an emergency appointment. Many GPs are now offering these remotely. 

Oxford Safe Haven: Get in touch with Oxford and Banbury Safe Haven: 

• Telephone: 01865 903 037
• email: [email protected].  

Oxford Safe Haven is a non-clinical space for those experiencing a mental health crisis, offering signposting, safety planning and listening support. The referral line is open 365 days a year from 11.30am to 9.30pm. You will need to call in advance to book a support slot for the same day.  

Emergency Department Psychiatry Department: Oxford Health provides a service within the Emergency Department at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU. Those who present at the Emergency Department in a mental health crisis will be provided with psychiatric support from the team.  

Don't suffer in silence, talk to someone who can help!

• call a Spectrum.Life counsellor on 0800 031 8383. The helpline is available 24/7 and is free for all University employees. Live Chat is also available via the platform (Org Code: Oxford) 
• call Samaritans on 116 123 (UK-wide) or email them at [email protected]   
• text SHOUT to 85258 (UK-wide) to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line  
• call the NHS 111 helpline and select the mental health option  

These services are for anyone who's struggling.   

They won't judge you.   

They're free, they're anonymous, and they're always open.   

Mind's page of helplines and listening lines has more numbers to try.  

The charity Mind provides more information on how to cope in a crisis. Use these pages but remember to reach out to other people. 

The University's Occupational Health team has created guidance for staff on coping with traumatic events.