The University offers its sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the recent earthquake in Afghanistan. In light of this tragic event, the University has reached out to all students who have declared either a nationality or home address in Afghanistan, to ensure that they are aware of the support available from the University for them. 

Support for students

We recognise that events can impact students in different ways, so we want to ensure that you know there is a wide range of information and support available to you, which can be accessed both virtually and in person. 

Whether it is a simple query or support with a more complex issue, our Welcome Team colleagues, at the Welcome desk in the Student Centre are your on-campus point of contact to help you access any information, advice and guidance you may need, and can connect you with a specialist advisor when you need it. 

Students can:

• visit our Welcome Desk, 8.30am-5pm, Monday-Friday
• call 01273 075700, 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday
• or contact us with your enquiry. 

You can also use our online portal, My Sussex, to help you find advice or support services, and to manage appointments. 

Health, support and wellbeing

Your wellbeing is hugely important to us, and you can find out about the wellbeing services that are available to you throughout your time at university. Our therapeutic services are free and available to all University of Sussex students (subject to eligibility). 

If you are affected by recent events and would be interested in joining a support group, facilitated by a therapist, where you can share your experiences in a safe confidential space, please email therapy@sussex.ac.uk. 

Alternatively, you may find it helpful to visit our Chaplaincy service based in the Meeting House, where Chaplains representing a wide variety of religious and nonreligious perspectives are available. 

Online student mental health support – available anytime and any day of the week

Free online mental health support is available for students via Togetherall – any time, any day. Simply register online with your Sussex email address to get started. 

Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low or just need a place to talk, Togetherall helps you explore your feelings in a safe and supportive environment. 

If you are resident of Brighton & Hove or East Sussex, you can also access Qwell. This is a new digital mental health support platform available 24/7 provided as part of UOK and funded by the NHS and East Sussex County Council.  

Money and funding information, advice and support

If you are experiencing financial hardship, either as a result of recent events or due to other circumstances, you can find out about hardship support available. Please note that the Hardship Fund will be open from 6 October for new applications. 

Support for staff

The University has a range of support services available for staff, and these can be accessed via our staff wellbeing page. Colleagues affected by the situation in Afghanistan can also access confidential independent advice, information and support from the Employee Assistance Programme provided by Spectrum.Life - including access to highly qualified counsellors by phone, WhatsApp, live chat and SMS, or you can request a call back 24/7, 365 days a year. 

Alternatively, you may find it helpful to visit our Chaplaincy service based in the Meeting House, where Chaplains representing a wide variety of religious and nonreligious perspectives are available. You can also contact our Lead Chaplain, James Croft, for an appointment by emailing J.F.Croft@sussex.ac.uk.