Category Archives: Student Support and Wellbeing

Coping at Christmas with an eating disorder

Written by Thomas Freeston, Kent Union Vice-President Welfare and Community.

Trigger Warning: Food and Eating Disorders.

The Christmas period can be a challenging time for those struggling with their relationship with food. Food undoubtedly plays a large part in Christmas and winter celebrations. From the social aspect (e.g., work Christmas outings, Christmas food markets with friends etc.), to the traditions (e.g., Christmas dinner or advent calendars). The large focus around food consumption can be potentially triggering and exhausting.

Regardless of whether you have a diagnosed eating disorder or not, the emphasis on food can be difficult to navigate. Feelings of guilt, shame and pressure are usually common at this time.

Guilt for not eating as much as others, or for having food related difficulties during what is meant to be a joyful season.

Shame for eating more than you usually would, or for not being able to keep up to the same pace as others.

Pressure to alter your eating and exercise habits. Diet culture has created the expectation that the mere days between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day are spent eating and should be followed by weeks of over exercising to compensate.

Here are some welfare tips to help you cope with the feelings that might arise due to the Christmas period:

Try to focus on the non-food related activities and discussions during Christmas. There is so much more that the festive season has to offer than just food! Focus on the aspects you do enjoy such as the Christmas lights or watching Christmas films or boardgames etc.
Make loved ones aware of avoiding questions based on food. You may decide to inform close relatives or friends to not mention these subjects as it could cause further anxiety and pressure in members who may be experiencing issues alone. For example, telling loves ones to not comment on people’s appearance or questioning what or how much food they are eating.
Have an exit plan – Christmas can be overwhelming to survive the holiday with an eating disorder, you may need to take some breaks. This can help you stay focused and calm. Find out where your Christmas lunch/dinner will be hosted. Work out some quiet places you can go off to and take some deep breaths just in case you need a break.
Signpost your family or friends to the Beat website so they have a clearer understanding of how they can support you during this time.

There is support available for you:

Beat – Eating Disorders: 0808 801 0677

Spectrum Life offers 24/7 emergency expert mental health support via phone, text, or WhatsApp.

Student Space: text STUDENT to 85258 or visit the student space website.

NHS Eating Disorders: Visit the NHS website to learn more.

Happy Christmas feeling like a tall order? Tips for coping with complicated feelings in the holidays

Perhaps you love Christmas and all the traditions, from music to present wrapping to treats, but if it brings up difficult memories or makes you feel anxious, you aren’t alone in that feeling. The forthcoming holiday can cause a mixture of complicated situations and emotions, such as family and relationship conflict, anxiety around relationships, worries about food, coping with grief, or feeling that everyone else is having a great time and you’re missing out. Even if you look forward to the holidays, it’s normal to experience periods of stress or difficulty, when your environment changes after a term studying.

We asked Rachel, a Mental Health Adviser at Kent’s Student Support and Wellbeing who offers specialist support to care leavers and students who are estranged from their families, what tips would you give everyone for coping with complicated feelings during the holidays?

Make a plan, take control

What are the main issues you will face? Loneliness, or overwhelm surrounded by too many people? Think through the days that might be particularly difficult and plan extra support and connection, or breaks from the busyness. If you want to escape/ learn/ relax online without a known group, you could look up things to join in with via Eventbrite, searching by your interests.

Set your intentions

Whether it’s sleep, how you eat, how much you drink, where exercise plays a role, or whether you engage in certain conversations, set your intentions in advance so you can feel more in control in the moment.

Identify your coping skills

What makes you feel better when you’re struggling? Taking a nap? Going for a walk alone or with someone else? If you’re staying on/ near the Canterbury or Medway campus, or nearby, you can sign up to Walking Buddy to be matched with another student who wants to meet and go for a walk locally. Do you want to stay busy and make new friends at Kent? Check out the calendar for details of what’s on until the end of term and beyond, including games and puzzles you can borrow over the holidays. Does meditation help you? You could connect with the Mindfulness Society before the end of term, or check out some free mindfulness apps. Would curling up with a comfort book, or a pick me up playlist help? You can borrow from Templeman and Drill Hall Libraries, including fiction and digital media. Think about it in advance so you can have those things ready to reach for when it’s all getting a bit much.

Don’t compare – live your holiday the best way you can

Try not to compare your experiences, feelings and relationships to others’, and instead allow yourself to be present in your life without judgement.

Find support

It’s okay to not be okay during the holidays and reach out for support when you need it. Student Support and Wellbeing offices are open after the end of the university term until Tuesday 19 December, and then closed from Wednesday 20 December until Tuesday 2 January 2024. During this closure, there are lots of emergency contacts available to support you wherever you find yourself during vacation.

Our mental health partner organisation, Spectrum Life, is available for crisis support throughout vacation. Spectrum Life provide.

For expert information tailored to students from Student Minds, check out the Christmas resources on the Student Space website, which provides also provides telephone, email, webchat and text support. There is more information about Christmas and mental health from the charity, Mind.

The charity Rees Foundation works to ensure that people leaving care have support networks in place, and are not left alone to tackle life’s challenges, and run some ‘Let’s Connect’ projects, connecting people with other members of the care experienced community.

24/7 Support, even during vacation

University of Kent students wherever they are located can access free, 24/7 online support for issues around mental health and wellbeing via Togetherall, and online platform overseen by qualified therapists which recognised nationally through awards by the NHS and is a safe environment. Togetherall can provide peer talk therapies where members initiate or join forums on topics ranging from depression and anxiety to relationship issues, work stress, abuse, self-harm and eating disorders, improving motivation and self-awareness. There are also online courses which can be taken any time, and brief counselling providing immediate 24/7 support from Guides who are trained counsellors.

Our partner organisation Spectrum Life is available for in-the-moment emotional and practical support for emotional distress or concerns about your mental health during vacation. They offer online, text and telephone support from qualified counsellors and mental health professionals, and will work with you in getting initial support and help, and can liaise with University Student Support and Wellbeing when they are next available to continue supporting you. Telephone 0800 0318227 and press option 1, Text/WhatApp ‘Hi’ to +44 (0)7418 360780, or search for the Spectrum Life app from your app store and follow the log in instructions, using organisation code ud3Z2brH.

Photo by lilartsy on Unsplash

Being LGBTQ+ at Christmas

Written by Thomas Freeston, Kent Union Vice-President Welfare and Community.

Like in the song, Christmas is often described as ‘the most wonderful time of the year’. However, the reality for some LGBTQ+ people is that Christmas and its association are a much less positive time of year. It can be difficult going back home to a family that does not accept you for who you are, or perhaps having to hide your true identity.

Below are a few tips to help you during the Winter break:

Figure out friends you can call and text: Have a friend or two on standby that you can reach out to if you feel stressed or scared or if you’re family says something messed up. It’s useful to have someone you can chat to or vent to if needed.
Make time to be alone: Spending time with many people can be exhausting, especially unsupportive ones! Make time to sit in bed away from it all; go outside or do what you need.
Celebrate the holidays with your chosen family too: Remember to celebrate holidays with the people in your life who are supportive.
Prepare yourself for any questions that tend to come up at family gatherings: There are many questions that come up such as partner, kids, jobs etc. Know how you will respond to these. By doing this you will boost your confidence and reduce the anxiety you may be feeling. Only share what your comfortable with.

The most important thing to remember is that even though no one else is around, you are never alone. There is an entire community of people who care about and who love you.

There is support available for you:

Spectrum Life offers 24/7 emergency expert mental health support via phone, text, or WhatsApp.

Student Space: text STUDENT to 85258 or visit the student space website.

LGBT+ Switchboard: Phone us at 0300 330 0630 open every day between 10:00 – 22:00.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Every year on the 25th of November, the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. But why this specific date? The answer lies in a tragic event that sparked an international movement. On 25th November 1960, the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic, were brutally murdered on orders of the country’s ruler, Rafael Trujillo. Since 1981, women’s rights activists have used this date to raise awareness of gender-based violence and campaign for its end. This day serves as a stark reminder of the violence many women and individuals who identify as women still face, even in the year 2023.

Let’s look at statistics

49 countries currently have no laws protecting women from domestic violence. 37 countries worldwide still exempt rape perpetrators from prosecution if they are married to or eventually marry the victim. And only two-thirds of countries have outlawed domestic violence. These figures paint a grim picture of the global state of affairs when it comes to violence against women.

Expect Respect at Kent

Every individual, irrespective of their gender, deserves to feel safe on campus. In light of this, here at the University of Kent we have a clear and strong message: we do not accept any forms of violence or abuse. But this commitment isn’t just a hollow promise. We believe that everyone has the power to do something about unacceptable behaviour.

Even if you’re not directly involved, if you witness any lack of respect, bullying, or abuse, you have a choice. You can call out the behaviour and report it. We believe that everyone’s voice matters and everyone can contribute to building a safer community.

If you see abusive behaviour, call it out

If you wish to report any incidents, the ‘REPORT + SUPPORT’ is our confidential online reporting tool. You can report and get advice about sexual misconduct and abuse, domestic abuse and stalking, physical and verbal abuse, spiking, harassment or bullying, discrimination or hate incidents. You can choose to report anonymously or get support from an adviser. If you wish to submit a report, provide details for our team to follow up on, or simply learn more, visit the Report and Support webpage. It’s a step towards taking control, getting support, and building a safer community.

Upcoming support events

To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we have organised the following events:

At Kent Sport on 7 Dec at midday there is a f ree self-defence class available for all students who identify as women, and non binary people.
There are also giveaways taking place on 28 November and 6 December in Medway. At the giveaways you can get free torches, gadgets to prevent drink spiking, condoms and more. There will also be specialist wellbeing advisers to talk through questions or concerns, or find out more about reporting issues.

Learn more

Want to learn more about the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women? You can navigate to the dedicated United Nations page to find out more about the scale of the problem and the initiatives that aim to pave the way towards a world free of gender-based violence.

Transgender Awareness Week, 13-19 November

Did you know that one in every hundred students in our Kent community has said that they identify as transgender or gender non-conforming? However we suspect this number might be much higher.

13-19 November is Transgender Awareness Week, which aims to:

raise awareness of the experiences of transgender and gender non-conforming people
share stories of transgender people in our society
advance advocacy around the issues of prejudice, discrimination, and violence that affect the transgender community.

Recent figures show that the number of UK students who define themselves as neither male nor female has more than doubled in the last two years. LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall explains that people are becoming increasingly confident to be themselves, thanks to more social acceptance and visibility of different sexual and gender identities.

The big impact of small actions

At Kent we hope to further our inclusive community, eradicate prejudice, and support one another.

On this subject, Lynne Regan, a senior member of the Student Support and Wellbeing team on the Medway campus, who also recently completed her Doctorate on the experiences of trans students at uni, explains how small actions of recognition and awareness of trans students can have a big impact:

“Rainbow lanyards are available for staff and students from most college and library receptions at Canterbury and Medway. Designed around the ‘Inclusion Flag’ which incorporates the Pride rainbow flag with pink, blue, brown and black representing the trans community and people of colour within the LGBT+ community. Wearing the lanyards shows students that they can ‘bring their whole selves’ to you without fear of judgement or an unsupportive reaction. One of the interview participants in my study stated “I love that many of the lecturers wear these lanyards with the rainbow pattern on them, which signals to the students that they are LGBTQ+ allies and can be approached… I like that I have someone I can actually turn to very visibly… It makes me feel very welcome.”

“Another thing you can do is to use inclusive language and respect pronouns. If someone has told you the pronouns that they use, then respect this. Use the pronouns they have asked you to use. Do not assume pronouns based on the way someone looks or sounds.”

Support for students at Kent

There is a support group in Canterbury that meets twice a month. It is open to trans, intersex and non-binary people at Kent. The group is run by trans/non-binary people for trans/non-binary people. Family and partners are welcome.
There are gender-neutral toilet facilities across our Canterbury and Medway campuses.
Student Support and Wellbeing offer free mental health support, counselling and peer support groups to all students and have an advisor with specialist LGBTQ+ support knowledge.
Check out our directory of LGBTQ+ self-help resources including details of free, confidential, specialist helplines and support group networks, such as Metro, The Be You Project, and Gendered Intelligence.
You can also update your gender and preferred name (which shows on your Microsoft Teams account) on KentVision.
Have you heard of the Gender Affirmation Fund? The fund supports students who identify as transgender, non binary or gender non-conforming with the purchase of gender affirming items such as binders, clothing, packers, makeup, hair extensions, pouches, Stand To Pee devices, gendered religious headwear or clothing and minor cosmetic procedures such as ear piercing or for managing body hair.

Experienced hate or discrimination because of your gender identity?

You can report incidents of assault, harassment, and hate via the REPORT + SUPPORT tool, with or without giving your name. Even if you don’t choose to request support, by reporting an incident you will help to make the University a safer place for all.

Help us create a university community which belongs to all students, and where all students feel they belong by sharing this information on transgender awareness. #InclusiveKent

ADHD Awareness Month: October 2023

What is ADHD?

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. According to figures from ADHD UK, it is estimated that roughly 5% of the world’s population have ADHD. This condition is often noticed in early childhood, but in some cases, it may not be diagnosed until adulthood.

October is recognised globally as ADHD Awareness Month. This is a time for individuals, health professionals, and organizations to come together to raise awareness about ADHD, dispel myths, and share resources for those living with this condition.

ADHD Symptoms in Adults

In adults, ADHD can lead to a variety of difficulties. These include problems with focusing and completing tasks, organization and time management, coping with stress, and feelings of restlessness or impulsivity. Each individual’s experience with ADHD is unique, and the severity and combination of symptoms can vary widely.

Getting Diagnosed with ADHD

If you think you may have ADHD, it’s important to seek professional help. A good first step is to register with Student Support and Wellbeing, where you can make an appointment with an SpLD (Specific Learning Differences) Adviser and discuss your symptoms. Based on your discussion, your Adviser may encourage you to contact your GP or may refer you for a diagnostic assessment.

Video: Anna’s experience of ADHD

Music and Audio Tech lecturer Anna Neale Widdison talks about being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, and describes some of the challenges and opportunities that she has experienced in her working and family life.

Positives of ADHD

Although ADHD can present a variety of challenges for individuals who have it, it’s important to note that ADHD also has some potential positive aspects – unique strengths and abilities such as these:

Creativity: Some individuals with ADHD are known for their creativity and innovative thinking. They often have a unique perspective on problems and can generate creative solutions.
Hyperfocus: While ADHD is characterized by difficulties in sustaining attention, some individuals with ADHD can experience “hyperfocus” on tasks or activities that deeply interest them. During these periods, they can be highly productive and focused.
Energy and Enthusiasm: People with ADHD can bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to projects and activities they are passionate about. Their enthusiasm can be infectious and motivate others.
Out-of-the-Box Thinking: ADHD individuals often think outside the box and can make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, which can be valuable in problem-solving and innovation.
Resilience: Many people with ADHD develop resilience as they face and overcome the challenges associated with the disorder. This resilience can serve them well in various aspects of life.
High Energy Levels: Individuals with ADHD often have high levels of physical and mental energy, which can be an asset in activities that require endurance or rapid decision-making.
Spontaneity: ADHD individuals can be spontaneous and adventurous, which can lead to exciting experiences and a willingness to take risks.
Empathy: Some people with ADHD are highly empathetic and sensitive to the emotions of others, which can make them excellent listeners and supportive friends.
Multitasking: While ADHD can make it difficult to focus on one task at a time, some individuals with ADHD excel at multitasking and managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

It’s important to recognize that not everyone with ADHD will possess these positive attributes, and the impact of ADHD can vary widely among individuals. Additionally, these strengths can come with their own set of challenges, and individuals with ADHD may need support and strategies to harness these positive aspects effectively while managing the difficulties associated with the disorder.

More Information and Support for ADHD at Kent

Whether or not you have a diagnosis, our expert staff at Student Support and Wellbeing can provide support for students with specific learning differences such as ADHD. The types of support you can access include:

Support from your SpLD Adviser throughout your course through online or in-person meetings.
An Inclusive Learning Plan (ILP) to set out reasonable adjustments to courses and assessments.
Access to assistive software on and off campus.
Study skills support, and specialist mentoring if you’ve got ADHD.
Help applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).

If you think you might be affected, get in touch so we can help you thrive in your studies!

How to be an Active Bystander

Becoming an active bystander is a powerful way to contribute to the creation of safer and more inclusive spaces within the university community, you can do this through following the 5Ds of bystander intervention.

Distraction:

Distraction can be a powerful tool to defuse a tense situation or redirect its focus. By diverting attention away from the harasser and towards the victim, you can help create a safer space for the individual experiencing harassment.

For example:

Pretend you know the person being harassed and act excited to have “randomly” run into them.
Pretend to be lost and ask the person being harassed to give you directions.
Tell them they have an important call.
Tell them that you need to speak with them urgently.

“Accidentally” spill or drop something or cause a commotion to shift the attention away from the harassment.

Delegation:

Delegation involves seeking assistance from a third party to intervene in a harassment situation. This individual can be someone in a position of authority or anyone else who can provide help.

Here are some steps to effectively delegate:

Identify someone in a position of authority, and ask them to intervene.
Involve a friend who can offer support or use distraction techniques to communicate with the person being harassed while you seek help.

When delegating someone to help you, be clear in conveying what you are witnessing and how you would like them to assist.

In situations that require immediate attention, consider calling emergency services (e.g., 999). However, where possible consult with the person being targeted to ensure their comfort and safety before involving the police.

Delayed Action:

Sometimes, it may not be possible to intervene immediately due to various factors, such as personal safety concerns or the intensity of the situation. However, you can still make a difference by checking in on the person who has experienced harassment.

Here are some examples of how you can Delay:

After the situation has passed, approach the person who was targeted and ask if they are okay. Let them know that you witnessed what happened and acknowledge that it was not acceptable.
Inquire if there is any way you can offer support to them.
Offer to accompany them to their intended destination or sit with them for a while, providing a sense of security.
Inform them about available resources, such as reporting platforms like reportandsupport.kent.ac.uk. This platform allows them to document their experience and seek additional assistance if needed from the university.

Document:

Documentation involves either recording or taking notes on an instance of harassment. This can provide crucial evidence and support for the person who has been targeted. However, it is crucial to approach this step with care and respect for everyone involved.

Follow these guidelines when documenting an incident:

Assess the situation to determine if someone else is already providing assistance to the person being harassed. If not, consider using one of the previous steps first.
If it is safe to do so, you may choose to record the incident. However, always prioritise your safety and the safety of those involved.
Always obtain consent from the person who experienced harassment before sharing or posting any recordings. Respect their wishes and privacy.

Direct Action:

Direct action involves directly confronting the harasser and addressing the negative behaviour. While this approach requires careful consideration of your own safety and the situation, it can be impactful in challenging the harasser’s actions.

Firstly, before you decide to response, it is crucial to assess the situation by considering the following factors:

Ensure your own physical safety.
Assess whether the person being harassed is in a physically safe position.
Evaluate the likelihood of the situation escalating further.
Observe any indications or cues that suggest whether the person being harassed desires someone to speak up.

If you can ensure all of these factors, you might choose a direct response.

Here are the recommended steps for direct intervention:

One important aspect of direct intervention is to keep it brief and concise. It’s essential to resist the temptation to engage in dialogue, debate, or arguments, as these can potentially escalate the situation. If the person who is harassing responds to your direct intervention, shift your focus towards providing support to the person who has been harmed, rather than engaging further with the individual causing harm.

Summary

Embracing the role of an active bystander entails a dedication to fostering safer spaces and offering support to individuals who encounter harassment. By understanding and implementing these strategies, you can play an essential role in promoting positive change and ensuring the well-being of those around you.

If you want to report an incident of sexual misconduct, discrimination, hate incidents, harassment, physical or verbal harm and/or abuse, bullying, stalking, domestic abuse, or spiking, you can do so anonymously or you can provide your name to access support on the Report + Support website.

Text adapted from Bystander Intervention Training (RightToBe.org).

Coping with distressing events

You may be feeling disturbed by things in the news, or worried about the safety of loved ones. In difficult and distressing times, it’s important for us to support one another. Find out how to look after your wellbeing and where to go for support if you need it.

Understanding our feelings

It’s normal to have different reactions to a traumatic event. Some of us may have intense feelings, especially if we were close to the incident or have connections. It’s essential to acknowledge our emotions, and also to remember that recovery will come in time. But of course it’s okay to take time and seek support if needed.

We also appreciate the strength of feeling generated in both staff and students across the university by recent events. We strive to be an organisation where all individuals feel welcome and supported and take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination on campus. If you experience any discrimination, please use our Report + Support tool so that we can quickly connect you with appropriate support within the University.

Coping strategies – taking care of ourselves

Let’s check in with ourselves and others. How are you feeling right now? Wellbeing and Coping is a helpful resource for coping techniques. If you’re overwhelmed, try some quick 30-second strategies mentioned there.

Self-care is essential during challenging times. Prioritise spending time with friends and loved ones who bring you comfort. Stick to your routines, get enough sleep, eat healthily, and stay hydrated. Engage in physical activities and try to get outside, preferably in nature or a nearby park. Be mindful of your social media usage and avoid getting caught up in negative news. By taking care of ourselves, we can better support each other.

Communicating and Reaching Out

If you’re struggling, it’s okay if you don’t feel like talking about things right away. However, if you need someone to listen, know that there are people who care and are here for you. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or the Student Welfare team at Kent, who will advise you on how we can support you at this difficult time.

24/7 support services

For support at any time of day or night, check out the Emergency Support page with details on online and telephone support available for Kent students, including our support partners:

Spectrum Life can offer you online, text and telephone support from qualified counsellors and mental health professionals.
You can access free, 24/7 online mental health and wellbeing support via Togetherall.

You can also find out about local and remote organisations using the self-help resource list from Student Support and Wellbeing.

Although you may wish to stay informed, it is important to be aware of your limits.

Here are some things you can do to retain some balance:

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.

Highlighting acts of support

In times like these, it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of how our community comes together. Let’s recognise the people who have helped and supported others.

Enhance Your Academic Skills with Upcoming Workshops

Are you looking to improve your academic skills and make your studying life easier and more productive? Maybe you’re curious about using Assistive Technology apps to study smarter but not sure which to try or how to go about it…

Student Support and Wellbeing, in partnership with SLAS (Student Learning Advisory Service) are offering a series of informative and engaging workshops to help you achieve just that. From time management and wellbeing to creative note-taking and mind mapping for assignments, these workshops are designed to empower you with the tools and techniques you need to succeed. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events to upskill you this term, all taking place between 2-3pm on the Canterbury campus:

1. Time Management and Wellbeing on 18 Oct

2-3pm in Keynes Seminar Room 6

Are you struggling to balance your academic commitments and personal life? Join us on October 18th for a workshop on Time Management and Wellbeing. In this session, you’ll learn effective strategies to manage your time efficiently while maintaining your overall well-being. Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your productivity and reduce stress.

2. Creative Note-taking on 8 Nov

2-3pm in Keynes Seminar Room 6

Taking notes is a crucial part of the learning process, but traditional note-taking methods may not work for everyone. On November 1st, attend our Creative Note-taking workshop to discover innovative techniques and assistive software skills that will make your note-taking more engaging and effective. This workshop will help you capture information in a way that suits your learning style.

3. Mind Maps for assignments on 29 Nov

Are you tired of writing lengthy outlines for your assignments? Join us on November 29th for the Mind Maps for Assignments workshop. Learn how to create visually appealing and organized mind maps that can serve as a powerful tool for brainstorming, organizing ideas, and improving your assignment planning process. This workshop will help you take your assignments to the next level.

To register for these workshops and secure your free place, click on the provided link above, and you’ll be emailed a confirmation of your place and the workshop location. If you have any access needs, or questions about the workshops, get in touch with us at DigitalAccess@kent.ac.uk.

Look out for more on accessible information and assistive technology on Instagram @UniKentSSW, #InclusiveKent.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your academic skills and succeed in your studies. We look forward to seeing you there!

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 10^th 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 10^th 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.