Author Archives: Natalia Crisanti

blue background and 4 head and shoulder shots of two male students and two female students, with the caption: JOIN STAR Student Action for Refugees

Meet the Student Action for Refugees (STAR) society at Kent – get involved this year to make a difference

The Student Action for Refugees (STAR) society at Kent is a remarkable student-led organisation that advocates for refugee rights and fostering a welcoming environment for refugees and asylum seekers on campus. With a rich history that traces back to its inception at the University of Nottingham almost thirty years ago, STAR has evolved into a national network of student groups across the UK comprising of around 34,000 students. The committee members of UKC STAR are passionate individuals who actively campaign, fundraise, and volunteer to challenge hostile government policies and support those in need. Come along to find out more and grab a sweet treat at the Canterbury campus us their our bake sale on Tuesday 10th October at 1pm on the Plaza outside the coop. Let’s meet the inspiring voices behind this dedicated team…

Ewen Rivallain – President:

“I am the newly elected President of UKC Student Action for Refugees, dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment for refugees and asylum seekers on campus.”

Ewen, the newly elected President of UKC Student Action for Refugees, is committed to creating a welcoming environment for refugees and asylum seekers on campus. With a focus on member engagement and community projects, Ewen and UKC STAR are determined to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Cassandra Ross – Vice President:

“I wish to aid refugees in any way possible and to encourage people to join us in doing so.”

Cassandra, a third-year student in Politics and International Relations, is the Vice President of UKC STAR. Her genuine interest in understanding the struggles faced by the refugee community motivated her to join the committee. Cassandra’s primary goal is to raise awareness about refugee issues on campus and help create a more welcoming environment for refugees in the UK.

Marie Legraverend – Secretary:

“We have a lot of ideas to get you involved in creating a welcoming environment for refugees in Canterbury and in the UK in general.”

As the upcoming Kent STAR Secretary, Marie, a 3rd-year Politics and International Relations student, is deeply committed to resolving the human rights issues surrounding refugees. Having previously served as the Treasurer, Marie is passionate about raising awareness, volunteering, campaigning, and fundraising. She invites everyone to join in their efforts to make a difference.

Leah Tesfu – Marketing and Collaboration Coordinator:

“I joined STAR as I wanted to be a part of a society that brings about positive change.”

Leah, a final year Biomedical Science student, serves as the Marketing and Collaboration Coordinator for Kent STAR. Drawn to STAR’s mission of building a more understanding and just society for refugees, Leah is eager to contribute to the society’s initiatives and projects. The clothes donation point project is particularly close to her heart, as it provides support to refugees while reducing waste on campus.

Romain Picon – Events Officer:

“If you want to start making a difference today, you can donate your old clothes at the various clothes donation points on campus.”

Romain, a third-year student in Politics and International Relations from Bordeaux, France, discovered STAR last year as a volunteer. Inspired by attending talks on refugees and participating in protests against proposed government legislation, Romain is determined to continue taking action. He encourages others to join in the efforts to support refugee rights and help those in indefinite immigration detention.

Want to get involved?

During this academic year, our priority is to involve our members as much as possible! We are in the process of setting up volunteer opportunities for students wishing to get involved in supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the local area, and we have several conferences planned to discuss important issues surrounding refugees and asylum seekers. Come and see us at our bake sale on Tuesday 10th October at 1pm on the Plaza outside the coop if you would like to know more, or get your free membership on Kent Union to be informed about all of our upcoming events!

If you’d like to find out more about STAR at Kent or join the society, have a look at their Kent Union page, or if you use Instagram, give STAR Kent a follow to see what’s happening next.

Students with therapy dog

World Mental Health Day on 10th October: Ways to boost your wellbeing

At Kent we celebrate the international World Mental Health Day to help open up conversations about mental health and highlight ways we can improve our wellbeing.

What’s on for you on campus?

Medway

  • Head to the Oasis Lounge (Rochester building) between 10:00-13:00 for the Services for Students Showcase for free refreshments and to meet with representatives from Student Support and Wellbeing as well many other support teams and services.
  • Join the Global Hangout to meet new friends and take part in creative activities in Rochester Building, 10:00-13:00.
  • A therapy dog will also be in the Hub from 12:00 to 14:00 for cuddles! 

Canterbury

Join us in Nexus (Templeman Library) any time between 12:00 and 15:00 to: 

What Student Support can you expect at Kent?

Whether you’ve recently joined the university or have been a student for some time, you can reach out to a team of experts in Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) for support around mental health issues, specific learning differences, neurodivergence, disability and chronic health conditions. We also have a team of qualified counsellors who provide free confidential sessions both face to face and online. Find out what happens when you first seek support from SSW.

Tips to stay well at uni

Check out this 9 minute video of advice from our Mental Health staff to manage your mental health at uni.

Get support 24/7

Kent students have access to 24/7 online, phone and text services for mental health and wellbeing support:

  • Spectrum Life offers 24/7 emergency expert mental health support via phone, text, or WhatsApp: phone 0800 0318227 and press option 1, Text/WhatApp ‘Hi’ to +44 (0)7418 360780.
  •  Togetherall offers peer-to-peer anonymous online discussion which is moderated by expert clinicians, as well as free courses and self-assessments that you can do whenever you choose.

Stay connected

Follow @UniKentSSW on Instagram for wellbeing advice, updates and information, and check out our events calendar for workshops and support groups throughout the year.

cartoon traffic lights: green = go for it; yellow = check; red = no is no

Consent. Get It. Full Stop – Our sex-positive campaign at Kent

Consent. Get It. Full Stop. is our sex-positive campaign to cultivate and strengthen a culture of consent in our community of staff and students. Everyone should be able to explore their sexuality with confidence, and we know that consent is key and necessary for all sexual activity. Getting consent might at first seem tricky so, we have created a consent webpage where you can learn about what consent is and read some tips on how to ensure you have it, and how you can give it clearly to your partner(s). 

You can also watch this 3 minute YouTube video to learn more about #ConsentGetIt. 

What if I’ve had an experience where consent wasn’t given? 

If you have experienced sexual assault or harassment, expert support is available here at Kent. We have separate links available for students and staff: 

Additionally you can use our online reporting tool, Report + Support, to report an incident to the University. Further guidance on what to expect when reporting, including a 3 minute video, is available on our Report + Support webpage.

Follow #ConsentGetIt on Instagram to stay up-to-date on progress and initiatives!

 

Group of students laughing in class

6 weeks to wellbeing: group to support new students in their university journey

Are you struggling with the transition into University and needing some help with healthy habits and routines? Feeling overwhelmed with the new changes and dealing with independence? Sign up to our 6-week wellbeing programme delivered by expert mental health advisers in Student Support and Wellbeing.

What is it?

This six week course is designed to support students with a healthy transition into university life, where they can meet friends, discuss issues in confidence, and learn strategies and share ideas to stay well and connected during their university journey.

Each of the weeks has a specific theme, and the small group (maximum of 12 student participants) will meet for an hour and be facilitated by two friendly and experienced mental health advisers, Alex, and Tara. There will be an opportunity for discussion and all are invited to participate as far as they feel comfortable doing so. You don’t need to bring anything with you, but are asked to commit to all 6 sessions if possible.

Sessions are on the Canterbury campus (location tbc) on Wednesdays from 2pm to 3.30pm.

Want to sign up?

Places are limited, so it it sounds like you could benefit from this, or have questions about the course, email Alex at a.j.weir@kent.ac.uk with a subject line of ‘6 weeks to wellbeing’.

Weekly themes:

  • Overview & Introduction – Week 1 (Wednesday 18th October)

Explanation of the course including an ice breaker. Beginning discussions on self-care & what this looks like for you. Includes a breathing mindfulness exercise.

  • Exploring Self-care – Week 2 (Wednesday 25th October)

How can you develop healthy routines and structure whilst at University.Includes a drawing mindfulness exercise.

  • Boundaries & Communication – Week 3 ( Wednesday 1st November)

What do we mean by healthy boundaries & how do we create healthy boundaries.Includes a drawing mindfulness exercise.

  • How to develop social support systems – Week 4 (Wednesday 8th November)

Includes an ‘eating’ mindfulness exercise.

  • Brief introduction to managing emotion – Week 5 (Wednesday 15th November)

Includes a listening mindfulness exercise.

  • Future goal setting – Week 6 (22nd November)

A focus on your positive traits and attributes.Includes an observation mindfulness exercise.

Booking details

Please email email Alex at a.j.weir@kent.ac.uk with a subject line of ‘6 weeks to wellbeing’ to confirm you can attend all sessions and say you’d like to be allocated a place.

What else is on for wellbeing?

If you’re looking for more wellbeing events and opportunities, check out the Student Support and Wellbeing calendar, and follow @UniKentSSW on Instagram for the latest on what’s on, resources and reminders to stay well and connected. Got a question? Email WellbeingEvents@kent.ac.uk.

photo of a packet of contraceptive pills, and various condoms, photographed from above on a pastel-coloured background

Do you know where to get effective contraception?

World Contraception Day is 26 September and is an international campaign, aiming to improve awareness of what contraception is and how it is used, as well as encouraging young people to look after their sexual and reproductive health. Not being educated about contraception can have colossal impacts on your life. For example, the UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) reported that “More than 217 million women and girls in the world who want to avoid getting pregnant aren’t using effective contraceptives.”

Stay safe at uni

As a part of the University of Kent community, we want you to stay safe and to stay informed. If you would like to talk to a professional about your sexual health, there are two places on the Canterbury campus that you can visit:

  • The University Nursing Service is open 24 hours, seven days a week (term-time only). Visit the Banking Hall (next to Campus Security) or call 01227 823503.
  • The University Medical Centre is located on Giles Lane. Register online to access this service and call 01227 469333 to book an appointment.

If you study at the Medway campus, you can register with a doctor near to your accommodation or go to The Advice Centre at The Hub.

Free condoms

You can also access free condoms on campus in the Mandela Student Centre reception or order online at GetIt.

Sexual health clinics and information online

Additionally, the BISH website helps you to find your nearest sexual health clinic and offers advice to address any of your sexual health concerns.

For information on sexual health and wellbeing, and initiatives for Kent’s sex positive ‘Consent Get It’ campaign, follow @UniKentSSW #ConsentGetIt.

photograph of approximately 40 people walking away from the camera along a pathway, wearing a variety of colourful casual clothing

Solidarity and Compassion in Action: Refugee Week 2023 celebrations at Kent

It was wonderful to see different parts of our local community at the University of Kent intersect and celebrate the contributions and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary, at a series of events taking place on Wednesday 21 June 2023 for Refugee Week.

Opportunities for community members, staff and students to come together to learn, share experiences, and expressions of compassion, solidarity and understanding included: a choir performance, a guided walk, a ‘taste of migration’ through a free shared lunch, and a lecture in the library. Running parallel to this was a visit from residents and Friends of Napier Barracks in Folkestone, where migrants and asylum seekers are detained while their applications for leave to remain are processed.

Guided walk: Refugee Tales trail

Around 35 people (an even mixture of staff, students, alumni and members of the wider community) joined a short guided walk through part of the University of Kent campus, stopping to listen to the experience of refugees written in the Refugee Tales book along the way.

People walking outdoors on paved path against backdrop of trees

Before we set off, Natalia Crisanti (Engagement and Communications Officer), who coordinated the Refugee Week programme at Kent, introduced the event and a performance from the Kent Community Choir, who sang ‘Moving‘ , a song written by students and refugees at the Berlin School of Popular Arts at SRH Berlin in Germany.

Kent community choir member: “thank you for inviting us to be a part of it – a moving and humbling experience”

Kent staff member reading an extract from the Refugee Tales outdoors in summer

Along the route, the Refugee Tales extracts were read by Philip Pothen (Director of Engagement), Basma Eldoukhi (PhD student, Migration Studies), and Sam Scott (Philanthropy Manager). We finished at the Kent Community Oasis Garden to reflect and leave a message, before returning to the start point for a ‘taste of migration’ through food inspired by the fusions of flavours that have come about because of the movements of people to the UK.

People sitting at bench table outdoors writing

The guided walk and the stories shared during the event helped us to think more deeply about the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers, and the engagement and support contributed to an atmosphere of compassion and understanding, which we will remember and continue to speak about and reflect on.

People at food buffet outdoors

You can listen to or read the Refugee Tales extracts from the walk again online on our Refugee Week webpage. If you would like to read the lyrics from the choir performance you can download them as a PDF.

Many attendees of the event got in touch with their reflections, including:

“I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity today to meet some people from Iran who have come to the UK and to hear some of their stories. I think more events of this kind are needed to allow local residents to meet refugees to build communities, shatter myths and remind ourselves that we are all human and we should support one another.”

“Having people read exerts of lived experiences whilst we were walking freely around the beautiful campus made the experience incredibly moving. At one point a colleague and I had our arms around each other because we were welling up. This event brought the University closer to our local community as we shared a valuable experience together. I had some deep and meaningful chats with members of the public whilst on that walk, and it felt important that we came to learn and to understand together.”

Following the Refugee Tales trail, everyone was welcome to an open lecture by Professor Panikos Panayi, Professor in Economic History from De Montfort University, who spoke about this history of fish and chips, and links to migration and Britishness. We explored the links of the dish with migration and the popularity of fish and chip shop ownership with different migrant communities, as well as historic associations with social class and status. At the end we reflected on how this ‘national dish’ perhaps reflects a vision of a modern, inclusive and diverse Britain, and that over fish and chips we can have many conversations about our backgrounds, and cultural traditions relating to food, sharing our experiences and beginning to understand each other better.

Napier residents and friends receive warm welcome and practical guidance on continuing education

Also on the day, it was a privilege to welcome 25 residents and friends from the Napier Barracks in Folkestone, who joined us on campus for these events and to explore their opportunities for continued education if and when they are granted leave to remain.

Philip Pothen talking to Napier Friends volunteer

Their visit included a welcome introduction from Philip Pothen, Director of Engagement, with refreshments at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre café. We were delighted that some of the visitors took part in the choir performance alongside members of the Kent Community Choir, singing in English and Arabic. After this, the group embarked on a campus tour, finishing in the Kent Community Oasis Garden to join the participants in the guided trail to leave messages of reflection.

The atmosphere was joyful and hopeful, as we shared a multi cultural lunch outside. This included fish and chips, Keralan biryani, and middle eastern dishes including falafel, hummous, baba ganoush, fattoush, fried pitta, flat breads, and Arabic coffee. Some of these dishes were made authentically by our friend and refugee, Hassan Alsoufi, as well as by the catering team at the University. It was fantastic to see everyone eating and sharing this range of delicious food together, sharing stories and chatting in the sun. The group then received information from colleagues with expertise in admissions, immigration and access to Higher Education, and were also given time to ask individual questions about how their existing qualifications might be recognised when applying to continue to study in the UK.

Throughout the day, the conversations between the Napier residents and friends, staff, students and local community members helped bring home the importance of Refugee Week in recognising experiences of migration.

The Napier group were overwhelmingly positive about the visit, commenting:

“Thank you so much for today’s tour. We really enjoyed it.”

“It was very helpful for all of us, had a wonderful campus tour and had the chance to meet very good people.”

“God bless all of you and much appreciate it.”

4 students sitting cross legged on the grass under a tree, two of them are looking at phones

Spring Break 2023 – Kent Services are still here for you: Opening Times

During the spring vacation period, which is from 7 April to 8 May, most of the University’s services are still available, some with amended opening hours. Many are closed on the national bank holidays, which are Friday 7 April and Monday 10 April.

Here’s a list of services and opening times:

  • Borrow books and study: Templeman Library at Canterbury opening times, and Drill Hall Library at Medway opening times 
  • Ask Nexus: Nexus is open as usual (Mon – Fri 09:00 – 19:00) except for closure on bank holidays.
  • Food and drink on campus: Canterbury catering opening times. Please note, the £3 Meal Deal in Rutherford Dining Hall will be available during weekday lunchtimes only (12:00-14:00) and will be closed in the evening, at weekends and on bank holidays.
  • Support: Student Support and Wellbeing reception remains open 09:00-17:00 throughout the Spring break, apart from national bank holidays. Get #ExamCalm on our Wellbeing page, where you can also find out about events and support info, including 24/7 online, phone and text support.
  • Careers advice and activity: The Careers and Employability Service is remains open 09:00-17:00 throughout the Spring break (apart from the national holidays), so you can continue to book appointments and work on your career.
  • Exam preparation and study support: The Student Learning Advisory Service remains open 09:00-17:00 throughout the Spring break, apart from national bank holidays. You can book face-to-face and online appointments on all areas of study support, including exam preparation. The Bitesize workshops have now come to an end but check out guides on revision/exam prep and assignment writing on the SLAS website.
  • Reception areas: Some receptions will be operating on different opening hours during the vacation. See reception opening hours. Security and maintenance services will operate as usual
  • Sport and exercise: You can still use facilities and join classes over the break, apart from national bank holidays. Check out Kent Sport opening hours.
  • Kent Union services and outlets: Kent Union opening times.
  • Campus Shuttle: The Campus Shuttle will run a reduced service on Friday 7 April and Monday 8 May. Aside from these dates, the shuttle will not be running as this is a term-time only service. See Campus Shuttle timetable.

And of course, Campus Security staff are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We wish you a restful break!

cartoon laptop screen showing head and shoulders of four cartoon people with a variety of clothes and hairstyles, no facial expressions

New Online drug and alcohol support group

The Forward Trust are running a free online course called ‘Change Up’ exclusively for Kent students to overcome the feelings of isolation that can accompany drug use or addiction, and to explore the links between addiction, mental health and self-worth, and the impacts on relationships.

By taking part, you’ll also get access to the Change Up community of young people who are taking part in or have previously taken part in the course.

Who with?

The course is run by a friendly, experienced facilitator from the Forward Trust named Rupert. There’s no hidden agenda to stop using, it’s just a structured setting to talk about your experiences and be supported.

What do I need to do?

It will run over five weeks online Thursday evenings 18:00-19:30 from Thursday 18 May to Thursday 15 June 2023, so you need to be available for all of those Thursday evening slots (18 May, 25 May, 1 June, 8 June, 15 June).

It consists of these five small-group sessions and two additional 1:1 sessions which are organised according to your availability.

If you’d like to participate, please complete the confidential Change Up self-referral form online. You will then be contacted by Rupert, the Forward Trust facilitator, on next steps to take part.

Questions?

If you have any questions, email WellbeingEvents@kent.ac.uk and we’ll be happy to help, or pass on your query if we can’t answer it. Or you can fill in the confidential self-referral form and the group facilitator will get in touch so you can ask any questions before committing to the course.

Want to know more about other wellbeing events and peer support groups? Check out the Student Support and Wellbeing events calendar, or follow @UniKentSSW on Instagram for the latest on what’s on and advice to stay well and connected.

Illustration of mosque on background with blue mountain silhouettes

Ways to support your Muslim peers during Ramadan

What is Ramadan?

“The month of Ramadan is the month in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people, and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” [Qur’an, 2:185]

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam. It is a month of intense spiritual rejuvenation during which Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an, and fast from food and drink during sunlit hours.

When is Ramadan?

This year, Ramadan was expected to begin on the evening of Wednesday 22 March and end on the evening of Friday 21 April.

Muslims follow the lunar calendar, so the exact start and end dates depend on the sighting of the moon, so these dates can vary slightly.

Ways to support your Muslim peers during Ramadan

Send well-wishes

Here are some common greetings you can use to share your well-wishes with your Muslim peers during Ramadan:

  • ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ – ‘Blessed Ramadan’
  • ‘Ramadan Kareem’ – ‘Noble Ramadan’
  • ‘Kul ‘am wa enta bi-khair’ – ‘I wish you well on this occasion every year’

Consider hosting an Iftar

Consider inviting your Muslim peers to Iftar (break fast) or dinner at your place. Or, you could even bring them over a dish so that they don’t have to cook.

Be considerate when scheduling meetings or other events

Try to schedule meetings in the morning to early afternoon when many Muslims still have energy from the dawn meal (Suhoor) and preferably meetings that don’t revolve around food and drink.

This is a small gesture that will aid the productivity of your Muslim peers, and make them feel appreciated and recognised.

Don’t feel guilty about eating or drinking in front of them.

While you may think you’re being considerate by not eating in front of a peer observing Ramadan, this could actually create unnecessary awkwardness.

Fasting is not solely about abstaining from food and drink, but is more so about reflection, prayer, and connection with God. Observing Muslims know this and so make an intention each day to adhere to the fast despite urges to do otherwise.

If you notice a peer isn’t fasting, try not to publicly ask why.

Not all Muslims will fast for a number of reasons – sickness, needing to take medication, pregnancy, women being on their period etc. Care should be taken not to offend people who are not fasting, by publicly asking for reasons as to why.

Similarly, some Muslims who may not be observant during the rest of the year, may observe Ramadan. Try to reserve judgement and not make any assumptions.

Do not trivialise their fast

Be mindful not to link their fast to a fad diet or reduce it to simply being a great way to lose weight.

To your Muslim peer, this is a deep and highly important religious practice, and they sacrifice their time, appetite and energy because they are committed to their faith.

Join the Ramadan spirit of giving charity

The essence of Ramadan involves recognising the blessings one has and showing gratitude by supporting those who are in need. While this is a prescription for Muslims, Ramadan could also be an excellent time for non-Muslims to offer their support.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

You might be embarrassed by the lack of knowledge, but most Muslims welcome questions from colleagues and friends.

Fasting is an individual experience. Asking a specific fasting person if they need or want anything from you is the best way in ensuring you are actually being supportive and inclusive.

—

Ramadan Mubarak from the Chaplaincy team! Follow @UniKentChaplaincy on Instagram to find out about spiritual support & facilities for students and staff of all faiths and none. We invite dialogue & participation!

Written by Ellie, Student Services, 31.03.23

pale blue background with pink shapes and two cartoon people wearing pink and blue clothes, holding a trans flag (pink, blue and white) looking happy

International Transgender Day of Visibility: 31 March

International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is an annual event on 31 March, dedicated to:

  • Celebrating transgender people. 
  • Acknowledging the courage it takes to live openly and authentically. 
  • Raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide. 

Show your support

You can show your support to trans students and colleagues on TDOV by…

⚧️ Choosing to display your pronouns on your signature and your Teams profile 

🏳️‍⚧️ Using a trans flag backdrop for your video calls on 31 March 

🌈 Wearing one of our Rainbow Lanyards, based on the Inclusion Flag

🎓 Completing the Trans Awareness Training (staff) 

📃 Familiarising yourself with our policies, guidance and terminology 

🔎 Finding out more about TDOV and why it is so important 

Learn more about trans experiences and history

Listen to a wide range of trans people sharing their experiences

There’s no single universal trans experience. Take the time to listen to as many trans experiences as possible and recognise how their lives are shaped not only by their genders but also by the intersections of other aspects of their identities.

Here are links to just a few different accounts of trans people’s experiences: 

Some of the history of trans visibility and equality activism

Throughout history there have been people who didn’t identify with the sex they were assigned at birth. While the terminology they used to describe themselves has varied over the centuries, they have always existed and been visible in their local communities.

Trans activism didn’t start in just the last few years. Over the last century, trans people have fought for equality in a wide range of ways. Many trans people around the world have taken to the streets in protest against police harassment – most famously Sylvia Rivera at the Stonewall Riots in 1969.

Others have used the courts to push for legal rights. For example, in 1952, an upper class Scottish trans man, Sir Ewan Forbes of Craigievar, succeeded in getting his birth certificate changed from female to male. Unfortunately, the court records were made secret so April Ashley’s lawyers were not able to access them during her divorce court case in 1970 which severely set back trans people’s access to legal gender recognition in the UK.

Read Christine Burns’ brilliant memoir, Pressing Matters, to find out how key trans legal rights were secured in the UK. 

Written by Lynne Regan, Student Support and Wellbeing, 15.03.23