Students

Welcome to Panton Practice. We know student life can be brilliant, but it can also come with pressure, change, and moments where things feel a bit much. Whatever you are dealing with, we are here to help.

You can contact us for support with your physical health, mental health, contraception and sexual health, sleep, stress, or anything else affecting your wellbeing. If you are not sure what you need, that is completely fine, just get in touch and we will help you work out the next step.

Below you will find our contact details and a list of trusted local and national services and useful links, including urgent support if you need help quickly.

Contact Panton Practice

Main surgery: 14 Gervis Road, Bournemouth, BH1 3EG
Branch surgery: 20 St Leonards Road, Charminster, BH8 8QN
Telephone: 01202 411700
Email: panton.practice@dorsetgp.nhs.uk

If you need urgent help

• Medical emergency or immediate danger: call 999
• Urgent mental health support (Dorset, 24/7): call NHS Connection on 0800 652 0190 or contact via NHS 111.
• NHS guidance on urgent mental health help (including what to do in a crisis):

Safe spaces (in-person mental health support)

• The Retreat (Bournemouth): drop-in, face-to-face crisis support (check opening times before travelling).
• Community Front Rooms (Dorset): welcoming drop-in support spaces (locations vary across Dorset).

Mental health and wellbeing

• Steps2Wellbeing (NHS Talking Therapies): self-refer for support with anxiety, low mood, and related difficulties.
• Recovery Education Centre (REC): free wellbeing and recovery-focused courses (online and in person).
• Student Space: mental health and wellbeing support tailored for students.
• Mind student mental health hub: practical information and support for student life and mental health.
• Club of Hope: directory to find local and national mental health support in one place.

(Additional national helplines and resources are listed in our full student resources pack.)

Physical health

Sexual health

• Sexual Health Dorset: free, confidential services including contraception, testing, treatment and advice.
• Order a free STI test by post (Dorset residents):

Vaccinations (including meningitis)

• MenACWY vaccine (NHS): recommended for many people up to age 25 if missed earlier.

Staying active locally

• Parks in Mind (The Parks Foundation): nature-based wellbeing activities and outdoor sessions.
• BCP Council Fitness Trails: free outdoor equipment routes in local parks.
• BCP Health Walks: free guided walks for different abilities.
• parkrun (Bournemouth): free weekly 5k (walk, jog, run, volunteer).

Housing and money

Housing

• Bournemouth University accommodation options
• LettingsBU (BU-approved student lettings)
• Shelter guidance for students renting privately
• NUS Student Renters’ Rights Hub

Money and debt support

• MoneySavingExpert student guides
• Save the Student (money, discounts, jobs)
• StepChange (free debt advice)

Food support (if you are struggling)

• Citizens Advice BCP food voucher support: Select Food Voucher as the subject of your enquiry
• BCP Council “Access to Food” (food banks, fridges, support routes), community fridges locally:
  • Feed Our Community (Boscombe).
  • Townsend Community Fridge.
  • Branksome & Rossmore Community Fridge.

Disability, carers, faith, and community

• BU Additional Learning Support (ALS): disability and learning support, adjustments and guidance.
• Carer Support Dorset: support for unpaid carers.
• Cruse Bereavement Support: bereavement information and support.
• BU Faith & Reflection: inclusive support for all faiths and none.
• Space Youth Project (Dorset LGBT+ youth support): support and social events for younger people who identify as LGBTQ+.

Download our complete list of resources for students (DOCX, 61KB).