Trusted Contacts

What is a trusted contact?

A trusted contact is someone you nominate, who we would contact if we had serious concerns about your safety, health or wellbeing. Always tell your trusted contact that you have nominated them so they are aware we may reach out to them.

A trusted contact should be someone who cares about you, will respect your privacy and can take on the responsibility of this role. They should know some things about your medical, social and lived experience.

A trusted contact must be over the age of 18. In most cases, a trusted contact will be a close family member or someone else you trust, they are rarely another student or Newcastle University staff member, unless they are also the partner, parent or guardian, or a close family member.

When will you contact the person, I have nominated?

Normally we will only contact this person in collaboration with you and with your consent. We may sometimes need to contact your nominated person without your consent, if for any reason we cannot work with you to contact them and we believe you or someone else is in danger, this could include but is not limited to:

• Situations of serious concern regarding a student’s mental health or welfare.
• If you become seriously ill, injured or have to go to hospital due to an emergency.
• If you fail to engage with your studies, professional support, or do not respond to a reasonable number of attempts to contact you.
• If you are seriously ill, or your health is deteriorating.
• If someone is threatening your safety and we feel your trusted contact is required to safeguard you.
• If we need to take reasonable action to prevent an unlawful act (e.g., harm to someone).
• If any needed care or support is affecting your wellbeing.
• If you are at risk of harm or neglect.

Will my trusted contact information be shared outside the University?

To help keep you and others safe, we work with statutory agencies and sometimes we may share trusted contact information with them if needed e.g., we think it is in your vital or best interest, it may help to prevent serious harm to you or to someone else, or it is needed as part of a police investigation.

Can I change my trusted contact?

We know relationships can change and it’s important that you are comfortable with the person you have nominated, so you can change your trusted contact at any point via the Student Portal.

Who can I speak to if I have a question about the trusted contact system?

Our Student Health and Wellbeing team can answer any questions you may have. Call us on 0191 208 3333 and ask to speak to a senior member of the Student Health and Wellbeing team.