Modestly stuck on the inside of toilet doors across the University are stickers emblazoned with the Linkline logo, informing us all of the organisation’s telephone number. Indeed, when I mentioned the service to fellow students, the name was familiar to all. People were a little quieter, however, when it came to explaining exactly what purpose the organisation served.

Linkline was founded in 1973 and survives on university support and private donations.

We have all had low points when everything seems to be going wrong. With fifth week pending, the feeling will soon be all too familiar. For a lot people, a phone call home, a cheeky trip to the bakery aisle or a late night lament to a neighbour will get them back on track. Sometimes however, we don’t have this option. For around 30 to 50 people per week,  “about five to six calls a night”, this is where Linkline comes in.

The dedicated team (“it’s hard to say how many are on the team – it’s always changing”) of trained listeners lend their ears to whoever needs to speak to them between 7am and 7pm every day.

Linkline’s firm belief in confidentiality is evident in the operators never asking for callers’ names and in the fact that the hotline keep their 1471 function disabled at all times.

They don’t claim to work miracles. Rather, Linkline works on the tried and tested principle that “it’s better out than in”. “We won’t tell you what to do or give you advice but we will provide you with the time and space to talk things through in confidence”, they promise. And without any political or religious affiliation, this independent service can indeed be fair and unbiased.

Linkline is always on the lookout for volunteers, who sign up with the organisation at the start of the academic year and receive all the necessary training and support.

If you would like to use the Linkline service, phone them directly on 01223 367575 or to volunteer visit www.linkline.org.uk.