You are not alone. Our University community is international and diverse, and many of us have family, friends, home communities or personal histories connected to places affected by war, conflict, military occupation, civil unrest, natural disaster or other crises. Events happening elsewhere in the world can affect you deeply, even if you are not directly in the affected area.
How you might be affected
You may be affected directly or indirectly. For example, you may:
- be worried about family, friends or loved ones
- have lost someone, or be waiting for news
- have experienced conflict, displacement or disaster yourself
- be facing financial, visa, travel or accommodation difficulties as a result
- feel distressed by news coverage or social media
- feel anxious, angry, numb, guilty, exhausted or unable to concentrate on your studies
There is no right or wrong way to feel, and everyone responds differently. You do not need to be personally in danger to be affected, and you do not need to wait until things feel unmanageable before asking for support.
Support at the University
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. The Student Support team can meet with you to talk about what would help, including how your studies may be affected, and can point you towards suitable external services.
If your studies have been affected, for example if you have missed teaching or assessments, or you are struggling to meet a deadline, please tell us as early as you can so we can support you with academic consideration for extenuating circumstances.
External support
- Your GP and the NHS: Events like these can affect your mental health and wellbeing. Speaking to your GP is a good place to start if you would like to find treatment or therapy. You can find information about NHS mental health services on the NHS website. If you are not yet registered with a GP, the University can help you to do so.
- Beyond Conflict UK: Provides mental health support to civilians and frontline workers in overseas regions affected by war, terrorism or displacement. It also has a directory of mental health resources specialising in conflict and trauma support.
If you need urgent help
If you are in crisis, feel unable to keep yourself safe, or are worried about someone else's immediate safety, please get help straight away. Call 999 in an emergency. You can also call NHS 111 (select the mental health option) or contact Samaritans on 116 123, free and open 24 hours a day.
Looking after yourself and others
- Consider limiting how much news and social media you take in, and choose when you check it.
- Stay in touch with people you trust, and try to keep to routines such as sleeping, eating and moving around.
- Be kind to others. People in our community may hold different views and have different experiences, and may be grieving or frightened.