The new year brings new opportunities, but it can also be a difficult time for many.
Struggling with your mental health
If you feel like you are struggling with your mental health, please do speak to someone. Having a chat with a trusted friend or family member can really help. When you are feeling low, you may want to isolate yourself, but connecting with others can be really beneficial. There are lots of events you can try, including the weekly Wellbeing Café every Tuesday afternoon. Kent Sport has lots of support this winter including group exercise classes, All Active sports to try, one off events like the Colour Run and much more.
Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) are here for you. You can get in touch with them to make an appointment with a Mental Health Adviser. Unsure what that will be like? See what happens when you contact SSW. They also offer a free, confidential counselling service which offers you a safe space to address issues concerning you and help you get back on the right path.
If you need in the moment support that can’t wait for an appointment with SSW, you can get in touch with our partner organisation Spectrum Life. They offer online, text and telephone support from qualified counsellors and mental health professionals.
Struggling with housemates and/or loneliness
If you’re struggling with feelings of homesickness or loneliness, you can get in touch with the Student Welfare team. You can talk to them about things that are bothering you, especially when you’re not sure of the options, or when things feel too difficult to manage on your own.
The Student Welfare team can also help with early resolution and advice for household disputes and disagreements.
Struggling with alcohol and/or drugs
If you’re taking drugs and want to know how to reduce the risk or you’re looking to stop, there are people you can talk to. We Are With You are a drug, alcohol and mental health support charity and they are on Canterbury campus every Thursday, 14:00 – 16:00.
You can find them in the Student Support and Wellbeing group room in Eliot Extension for a one-to-one-chat. This is on the lower ground floor and you do not need to speak to anyone at reception first. We Are With You are an outside organisation and what you say to them is not passed back to the University. The next With You drop-in sessions are Thursday 22 January, Thursday 29 January and Thursday 5 February.
Struggling with your studies
Feeling overwhelmed? Struggling with deadlines? Illness or injury? Missing home? Caring responsibilities? Lots of things can make it difficult to do your best and fully engage with your studies. Whatever the situation, contact the Engagement Support team when things first happen, so that they can help you. They can provide you with practical advice and support so you can get back on track with your studies.
Your Academic Advisor is there to help you throughout your studies. Remember to check on Presto for your termly Academic Advisor meeting. You might also want to speak to your Module Convenor and/or Seminar Leader.
If you want to work on your study skills, check out the Skills for Academic Success team. They have study guides and videos, as well as workshops and appointments. They can help with all the essential study skills, from essay planning to editing, and revision techniques to exam strategy.
If you’re care experienced, estranged, a refugee, asylum seeker or a carer
Senior Welfare Officer Tristan is here specifically to provide you with support. He offers face to face and Teams meetings throughout the week to talk through issues affecting your studies and wellbeing. To get in touch with Tristan, please email T.Ireson-Howells@Kent.ac.uk.
Remember, you’re not alone and there is support available for you.