Support for staff and students in relation to Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean
Posted on behalf of: Internal communications
Last updated: Thursday, 30 October 2025
Our thoughts are with all those affected by Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean. In light of this tragic event, the University has reached out to all students who have declared either a nationality or home address in affected countries, to ensure that they are aware of the support available from the University for them.
Please see below advice, guidance and support available from the University for those impacted by the recent hurricane.
Support services for students
We recognise that events like this can impact students in different ways, and so there is a wide range of information, advice, guidance and support available to you, which can be accessed both virtually and in person.
Whether you are in the UK or overseas, our online Student Hub provides focused information on a range of support topics, including supporting your wellbeing or understanding how to mitigate the impact on your studies. You can also use our online student support portal, My Sussex, to raise enquiries for specific advice or support.
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If you are on campus, whether it is a simple query or support with a more complex issue, our Welcome Team colleagues 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
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Or call 01273 075700, 9am-4.30pm, Monday-Friday
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
Online student mental health support – available anytime and any day of the week
If you are in the UK or overseas, 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.
University Chaplaincy Team
You may find it helpful to access support from our Chaplaincy service based in the Meeting House, where Chaplains representing a wide variety of religious and non-religious perspectives are available. You can also contact our Lead Chaplain, James Croft, for an appointment by emailing J.F.Croft@sussex.ac.uk
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 here.
Should this or any other situation be impacting on your ability to pay outstanding fees, we continue to encourage you to come forward and you can contact specialist advisors by email on creditcontrol@sussex.ac.uk
We hope you find this information helpful, and wish you well during these difficult times.
If you need further information or advice, our Welcome Team colleagues in the Student Centre will be pleased to assist you.
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 the Caribbean 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.