Category Archives: Student Support and Wellbeing

two women looking angry with each other, young man standing between them looking like he's trying to calm them and intervene in the argument

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).

breaking news backdrop with worried looking young woman looking at phone in foreground

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.

graphics showing laptop, desktop and mobile; notebook, clock, brain in lightbulb icon

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!

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.”

Disability History Month – how we marked it at Kent in 2022

To decide how to celebrate and mark Disability History Month this year, members of Kent Union, staff and students from a variety of divisions, networks, and groups across the Medway and Canterbury campuses met frequently throughout the term to plan and collaborate. Sharing ideas and looking at how far we have come has been part of the process in continuing to think of new and inspiring ways not only to celebrate Disability History Month, but also to identify areas where there work is still needed to continue to grow and develop new inclusive ways to remove barriers.

Event highlights

Exhibition and film screening

Student Engagement and Communications Officer Natalia Crisanti and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Strategy, Planning, and Performance) Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, introduced the screening of a number of short videos called ‘Our Stories’ (BSL interpreted) with students and staff, current and past, talking about their experiences of disability. The films emphasise considering and anticipating the seen and unseen needs of all, with people listening to one another carefully and understanding that each person is the authority on their own best conditions for thriving. With such a wealth of inspirational people at Kent it has been a great opportunity to take time to focus and reflect on our community and what disability means to us as a University. Janice Markey, Kent’s Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion notes that “the exhibition and screening [which took place on 6 December] are an inspiring impetus for us in our work to create an environment at Kent which is welcoming and inclusive for all”. For more on the screening and exhibition opening, read the blogpost summarising this event. You can also watch a 7 minute video version of the timeline (narrated, with closed captions), or read a slightly abridged version on Kent’s Disability History Month webpage.

Chloe Timms author talk
Former student Chloe Timms returned to Kent to give a talk on her debut novel ‘The Seawomen’ (2022). Chloe discussed about how she became a published author alongside the challenges of being a disabled writer. To find out more about her professional journey, visit Chloe Timms’ blog.

Chloe Timms with her book. Woman seated in wheelchair, with blonde hair and pink jacked. Book titled 'The Seawoman' on the table in front of her.

Research and career opportunities

Also this month was an opportunity for one of our PhD students to showcase her research with a Virtual Reality Wheelchair Driving Experience, and the Careers and Employability Service hosted a number of online groups for students, including workshops on how to ask for adjustments in the workplace, and sessions on the Change 100 internship scheme, which offers paid summer work placements for students with disabilities.

Finger casting workshop

On the topic of health and wellbeing, a finger casting workshop was held where participants could let their artistic sides show through creating their own finger sculpture and foil embossed artwork. The idea was to encourage awareness and connection with the body through creativity.

Group of students seated at a table with craft activities.

Millie Knight – sports champion talk

Kent Union’s focus was on creating opportunities for students to come together and learn from each other. Their events included plant pot painting and a talk from former student, and four-time Paralympic skiing medallist and Karate world champion, Millie Knight. Thomas Freeston, Vice President of Welfare and Community was Kent Union’s lead on DHM, and reflected on the month as an “opportunity to celebrate the achievements of people living with a disability and also raise awareness”.

Group of people standing in front of a banner, holding medals.

What’s next? Let’s shape tomorrow together…

Of course, opportunities for discussion and progress are not limited to Disability History Month. You can get involved in many different ways throughout the year. Perhaps through the Staff Disability Network and Student Accessibility Network. Please contact EqualityAndDiversity@kent.ac.uk if you would like to share any ideas or feedback about this year’s disability history month or disability provision in general.

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Did you know that Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) advisers can help students set up the support they need at any time during their studies? Check out this guide on Seeking Support from SSW for more information.

Follow #DHMKent22 and #InclusiveKent on social media for the latest, and if you would like to contribute your experience and perspective to conversations, podcasts or articles on this theme, please email StudentServicesWeb@kent.ac.uk.

Written by Maddy Kendall, Joshua Stevens and Natalia Crisanti, Student Services, 13.12.22