Support for students and staff affected by recent events

We are deeply saddened and concerned by the recent violent riots that have occurred in a few areas across the country. As a community that values peace, inclusivity, and respect, these actions of a minority go against the very principles that we uphold at the University of Essex and Essex Students’ Union.

Our university is one of the most international in the world, with students and academics hailing from over 140 countries. We take immense pride in our diverse and vibrant campus communities, which are a testament to the power of diversity and inclusion. It is through this rich tapestry of cultures, perspectives, and experiences that we draw our strength as a community.

While protests have not taken place in Essex at this stage, we are aware these are really unsettling events to see and deeply upsetting for many of our community. We want you to be reassured that our community is here to support you either through our wellbeing services or through our security teams. We are monitoring the situation carefully in partnership with Essex Police and will take all the necessary steps to keep our community safe.

Support available to students 

If you have been affected by recent events, wellbeing support is available to all our students. Our Student Services Hubs operate in-person, phone, email and live chat facilities. Our Students’ Union Advice service is also available for you, and there are a number of services you can access online to support your mental and emotional health.  If you feel that current events have impacted on your study and / or work, please speak to your department.

Support available to staff 

Support is available to all our staff through our Occupational Health Service. The team also has a range of support services available online, along with a wellbeing directory on Moodle that contains resources to support your mental and physical wellbeing. We recognise that the impact of these events will differ from person to person; you may also speak to your line manager or People and Culture.  

Reporting an incident

The University has a zero tolerance approach to any incidents of harassment, bullying, racism or hate. If you experience anything of that nature, or any other incident that does not uphold our expectations around behaviour, use our Report and Support system to make a report. The system can be used by staff, students or visitors to our campus, and you can report anonymously or contact an adviser. Students can also visit SU Advice who are a Hate Incident Reporting Centre to receive support and information from a trained adviser. They can support you to report incidents to the Police and also provide advice and information about other support agencies. 

As a University and a Students’ Union we stand united in our commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all, where dialogue and understanding prevail over conflict and division. Let us continue to uphold the values of respect, empathy, and solidarity, which are the bedrock of our community.