Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those affected by the events unfolding in Israel and Gaza, as well as by the earthquake in Afghanistan. We know that this is a very difficult time for members of our community with families and loved ones in these regions, and we ask everyone to respect and support each other.

We are in the process of reaching out to all Afghan, Israeli, and Palestinian students, based on their declared nationality or home address, to ensure that they are aware of the support available from the University.   

As a truly international community, with students and staff from nearly every country in the world, we want everyone at Sussex to know that advice, and practical and well-being support are available, should you need it.

Our support services are, as always, available to help those who may be affected by any issue, and this includes those affected, directly or indirectly, by the weekend’s events in the Middle East and Afghanistan.  

If you would like help or wish to talk to a specialist, there are services on campus who can listen and offer support. Please also reach out and feel able to speak to your tutor so they are aware of your situation.

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. 

Our online Student Hub provides focused information on a range of support topics. 

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 
• call 01273 075700, 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday 
• or contact us with your enquiry. 

You can also use our new 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. 

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 our Chaplains are available for student drop-ins. 

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.

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.

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 and Israel and Gaza 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.

Report and Support

The University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for every member of its community. If you or someone else has experienced behaviours such as bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse or discrimination, you can let us know using the Report and Support tool. 

• Donate to the British Red Cross Afghanistan Earthquake Appeal

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