Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Nightline?
A: Nightline is a student-run, confidential listening, information and sexual health supplies service. We have two trained student volunteers on duty in our flat from 8pm to 8am every night of the University of York term. We can be contacted on the phone, by email, or by dropping in to our flat. See the Contact us page for details.
Q: Who runs Nightline?
A: Nightline is run entirely by student volunteers from the Univeristy of York, and York St. John University. Nightline volunteers are anonymous. There are, however, 'Public Faces' who represent Nightline on campus, and maintains links with the University and its students.
We are not run by the University or the Students Union and we have no political or religious affiliations. We will not judge you because of what you say; we will not assume things about you; and because we do not know what's best for you, we will not try and tell you what to do.
Q: What can I expect if I contact Nightline?
A: The flat offers a calm, comfortable atmosphere, where our volunteers will give you space to go through any issues you are facing, in complete confidentiality. No records are kept about our callers and we won't ask your name. You don't need to have a problem to call - you may simply be bored and want a coffee and a chat in a quiet and relaxed environment.
We have information on all sorts of topics, ranging from takeaway and taxi phone numbers to welfare helplines and campus services. Even if you just want a takeaway number at 2am, Nightline is here. If you do have a problem, our volunteers are here to listen and talk it through with you.
Nightline also offers condoms, pregnancy tests and chlamydia tests free of charge.
If we do not offer the service that you are looking for, we will probably be able to tell you who does.
Q: Where is the Nightline flat?
A: Our flat is situated on the ground floor of Langwith G-block (formerly Goodricke D-block), at the Wentworth end of what used to be the Goodricke-Wentworth bridge. Click here to view directions and a map.
Q: Is Nightline confidential?
A: Yes. We will not disclose anything you choose to tell us to anyone outside of Nightline, and we don't keep a record of any details discussed within a call. Nightline is completely confidential.
Q: What information does Nightline have to offer?
A: Nightline stocks a variety of information, from restaurant and takeaway numbers, to taxi numbers, helplines, university information, bus and train timetables, leaflets about mental health issues, sexual health, drugs, housing, pregnancy, money issues and many more topics. For more examples of information we hold, check out our information page.
Q: Is it possible for information and sexual health supplies to be sent to me?
A: Yes. We are able to send information, pregnancy tests, condoms, lubricant and chlamydia test kits through the University's internal mail system. In order to take advantage of this service, you will need to phone or email us with your full name and college. Requested items can be collected from your college porters (or mail room). All items should be available within 48 hours of you requesting them, though they are often available more quickly than this.
Q: Do I have to have a problem to use Nightline?
A: No. While Nightline is a listening service and will speak to you about any issues you choose to raise with us, we also welcome anyone who just fancies popping in for tea or coffee and a chat. You can also call if you want to pick up condoms, lubricant, pregnancy tests, chlamydia test kits, or information.
Q: Why are Nightline volunteers anonymous?
A: All of the Nightline volunteers who take calls from students are anonymous. This is so as to ensure that volunteers only represent Nightline when they are on duty, and when they are off duty, they are just like every other student. The exception to this are our public faces, who no longer do nights on duty.
Q: How do I go about becoming a Nightline volunteer?
A: If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you need to email us with your name, email address (preferably your university email address), and your year of graduation. Click here to check out our 'Becoming a volunteer' page.
Q: Is Nightline run by the Students' Union?
A: No. Nightline is an internal affiliate of the students' union, so while we get our funding from the union, we are not run by them. Nightline is run internally by Nightline volunteers.