We are deeply saddened by the recent escalation of events in the Middle East.
Our thoughts are with students, staff, and their families, as well as everyone directly connected to the area, and all those affected by the ongoing situation.
As a University of Sanctuary, we encourage initiatives and dialogues in support of peace worldwide and work with organisations to help preserve the right to education across the globe wherever it is impacted by war.
We recognise that many in our community will be feeling worried or distressed at this time and encourage anyone who needs support to reach out and access the help available at Kent.
Student Support and Wellbeing
If you feel like you are struggling and you want to speak to someone from Student Support and Wellbeing, you can make an appointment.
Student Support and Wellbeing are available Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 17:00 and you can find them in Eliot Extension:
- Phone: 01227 823158
- Email: KentSSW@kent.ac.uk
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 round the clock for Kent students.
Our partner organisation Spectrum Life can offer you online, text and telephone support from qualified counsellors and mental health professionals. You can call them in the evenings and at weekends on 0800 0318227 pressing option 1.
Wellbeing advice
Although you may wish to stay informed, it is important to be aware of your limits. Distressing world news can certainly affect our mental health. Try to be intentional in how you are consuming news, avoid long ‘scrolling through’ sessions:
- Take a break from watching the news – consider checking in at certain times of the day only.
- Mute or turn off news notifications on your phone.
- Mute or unfollow social media accounts if you are feeling overwhelmed or limit your news intake to once or twice a day.
Make time for people and activities that are positive for your wellbeing, for example going for a walk or meeting up with a friend for coffee.
Financial support
During an international conflict, in some instances there can be issues with banking or your circumstances may change. If you are experiencing financial issues as a result of what is going on, then please look at our emergency funding pages. We would recommend you look at:
- International Hardship Fund (up to £500)
- Emergency Hardship Fund (up to £300)
If you are currently living in university accommodation and are experiencing difficulty with money due to current events, you can contact your student accommodation controller who will be happy to work with you to review any upcoming accommodation payments. Please email accommfinance@kent.ac.uk.
Assessment Week
We are coming up to our Spring Term Assessment Week (14 – 20 March). We understand that world events can have an impact on your work and may affect your performance in assessments. If you feel this is the case, you can submit an Extenuating Circumstances request.
We are here for you. Please do reach out for support.