Student Support and Wellbeing will be closed from 20th December to 2nd of January. For urgent support please see below links.
Struggling with a physical or mental health issue which can't wait?
Our safeguarding policies are designed to protect children and adults at risk of harm on our campuses or involved in any related University activity including safeguarding for apprenticeship students in employment.
We are committed to improving access to learning and provide a wide range of support.
We have expert staff to support students and discuss academic adjustments. We can help with mental health, disability, autism and specific learning differences (SpLDs, including ADHD and dyslexia), and accessibility.
SSW have reception teams on the Canterbury and Medway campuses. Contact us, or find out more about our staff.
Click here to view a list of external resources and services offering support and information for students.
If you are concerned about a relative studying at the University of Kent, below you can find some information on what support is available to them through Student Support and Wellbeing services.
Togetherall is a Care Quality Commission registered service recognised nationally through awards by the NHS and is a safe environment overseen by qualified therapists. They have added the below courses for students to take part in.
Tis the season | Resources | Togetherall
Coping With Grief & Loss | Courses | Togetherall
Managing Social Anxiety | Courses | Togetherall
Managing Emotions | Courses | Togetherall
Goal setting | Resources | Togetherall
How to be happy | Resources | Togetherall
When the penny drops | Resources | Togetherall
Not sure where to start? Check out our guide on seeking support from Student Support and Wellbeing.
Looking for information on Inclusive Learning Plans (ILPs)? Our ILP guide page can help.
Follow @UniKentSSW on Instagram for wellbeing advice, updates and information.
Check out our events calendar for workshops and support groups.
Read our Student Support and Wellbeing blogposts on mental health, disability and related topics.
Information regarding our confidentiality and data protection practices can be found in our Privacy Notice.
Lastly, please see below link to our new termly Newsletter that includes all our upcoming events.
Although you may wish to stay informed, it is important to be aware of your limits.
Distressing world news, such as the recent escalation in Lebanon alongside ongoing conflicts in the middle east region , can certainly affect our mental health. It is absolutely natural to feel anxious and frightened, and to feel that events are out of our control. You may be feeling disturbed by the images you have seen on the news. You may be feeling worried about the safety of loved ones. If you have lived through similar events yourself, the current crisis may be bringing up some very traumatic memories. Staff in Student Support and Wellbeing are here to support you during these unsettling times.
Try to be intentional in how you are consuming news, avoid long ‘scrolling through’ sessions
Take a break from watching the news – consider checking in at certain times of the day only. Mute or turn off news notifications on your phoneMute or unfollow social media accounts if you are feeling overwhelmed, or limit your news intake to once or twice a day
Make time for people, activities and actions that are positive for your wellbeing
What helps will be different for each person, but here are a few ideas;
Connect with friends and family members.Go for a walk in the fresh air.Listen to a podcast.Listen to some soothing or inspiring music.Write out your thoughts and feelings in a journal.Go to the gym.Grab a coffee with a friend.Connecting with nature can be very soothing, there are some lovely walks on campus or along the river Stour.Have you caught the bus to Whitstable yet, why not have a walk along the beach?Try to have a regular sleep pattern.Try to eat healthily which will help when you are feeling emotionally depleted.Listen to some guided meditations as these can really help as a distraction from racing thoughts.
Focus as much as you can on hope
Amidst all the horrors of this war, there are also reports of wonderful acts of courage, bravery and compassion. Remember that such conflicts are relatively rare, and that the majority of people are committed to peace.
Positive News
It can seem like mainstream media is overwhelmed with bad news, but good news itself is not in short supply; the broadcasting of it is! Take a look at the Good News Network website, which seeks to be an antidote to the barrage of negativity we get from major news outlets. The Good News Network also has an app, and a weekly Good News Gurus podcast. A similar website, Positive News also has articles about what you can do to make a positive impact in the world today
For inspirational videos from our Medway University Chaplain, check out Take Ten with Lynne on YouTube, covering topics such as kindness, how to be a people helper, and conflict resolution. For more Chaplaincy information and activity from faith groups in Canterbury and Medway, explore the Chaplaincy webpages.
Student Support and Wellbeing – professional support at university
Did you know that Kent has a professional support service of over 100 specialist staff? We’re here to support you with mental health, disabilities, and neurodiversity such as specific learning difficulties or autism, through 1:1 support as well as peer support groups and events. Here’s a video of top mental health tips from our mental health team.
Emergency Support
If you feel you need urgent support from our team from Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, please phone on 01227 826573 for the Canterbury campus or 01634 888474 for Medway or email KentSSW@kent.ac.uk or MedwaySSW@kent.ac.uk and ask for urgent mental health support.
Out of hours support from Spectrum Life and other providers
Feel like you really need to talk to someone but the Student Support offices are closed? Check out the Emergency Support page with details on online and telephone support available round the clock, such as our partners Spectrum Life, who you can call in the evenings and at weekends on 0800 0318227 pressing option 1. Spectrum also has an amazing online app that is available for free for all University of Kent students instructions on how to access this can be found here you can do guided mediation or use the online virtual exercise groups alongside how to sleep better
War, Conflict and World Disasters Emotional Support Group- Mondays 12-1 Red Room, Keynes College
As well as requesting an appointment with SSW you can also attend our weekly drop in where specialist staff are on hand to help you manage your emotions as you deal with traumatic world events. This is a no political space and its aim is to support wellbeing for all students as well as practical advice.
Watch the 3-minute video to hear what Kent students think about Student Support and Wellbeing. They discuss mentoring and other one-to-one support, library support, groups, counselling, and more.
Need support out of office hours?
We work with partner organisations who provide additional support for Kent students.
Student Support and Wellbeing have been central to my time at university. The brilliant and attentive support I received, particularly during the pandemic, allowed me to flourish academically.
For contact information and where to find us on our UK campuses please visit our Contact Us page.
