Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service

The Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service (SWIS) seeks to provide a professional and proactive guidance service for students within a healthy and inclusive environment, in order to support our students to fulfil their potential.

We understand university life can be demanding and stressful, and we want to ensure you receive the appropriate emotional and mental wellbeing support. SWIS provides free, confidential help and guidance for any concerns that you might have during your time at Essex. We can advise and signpost you to the support available for mental and emotional health, disability support, academic concerns, financial worries, and accommodation issues.

SWIS has a student survey for students who have accessed our support. We want you to share what we did well and how we may be better. You may have had a wellbeing appointment, used our University counselling service or attended one our Residence Life team activities. All students who complete the survey and provide their contact email address will be entered into a monthly draw to win a £5 SU Voucher, for use within all SU Outlets, including SU Bar, Greenhouse Café, and The Store

Wellbeing appointments at Colchester, Southend and Loughton

Our team of Wellbeing Assessors offer a welcome and friendly space where you will be able to talk about anything that is happening in your life.

We can help guide you to develop the personal resources and skills you need to navigate the challenges and opportunities of student life.

Our support is designed to be short term and intended to guide you on your next steps. If you need longer term support, we can help to signpost you to external health/wellbeing services and partnerships.

You can make an appointment which will last for 30 minutes and can either be in-person, by telephone or by Zoom. If you have any difficulties booking an appointment, please email wellbeing@essex.ac.uk

Once you have booked an appointment online, you will receive an email confirmation. If your plans change, you will be able to reschedule your appointment online too.

We can help to support and guide you in several ways 

Practical support

We can provide practical support with:

  • accommodation (including accessible accommodation)
  • crime
  • complaints
  • family
  • harassment
  • health
  • sexual Misconduct
  • time out from your studies
  • and anything else that's troubling you

We may be able to provide initial advice on other matters as shown below but if you need more tailored advice and guidance, you should contact include@essex.ac.uk who will be best placed to support you.

Emotional health support

We can provide emotional support for a wide range of issues which may include:

  • anxiety
  • bereavement
  • depression or low mood
  • disordered eating
  • gender identity and self-identity
  • motivation and procrastination
  • perfectionism
  • relationships
  • self-esteem/confidence
  • self-harm
  • sexual abuse
  • stress
  • substance misuse
  • suicidal ideation
  • trauma
  • and other difficulties

Further support and information

Other sources of support

Further information

Support for student equality, diversity and inclusion

At SWIS we are dedicated to student equality, diversity and inclusion, and we are committed to enabling access to student support. Our staff members work closely with the diverse student population to widen participation with our service and celebrate diversity, and we are devoted to creating an inclusive and accessible campus for all.

  • LGBTQ+ students
  • Student parents and mature students
  • Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students
  • Care leaver students
  • Students with disabilities or long-term health conditions
  • University of Sanctuary students

Students with disabilities and long-term health conditions

If you have a disability or condition which affects your academic studies, please speak with us so we can provide you with support to make the most of your time at university. You can contact us directly at wellbeing@essex.ac.uk and read our accessibility and disability support webpageaccessibility and disability support webpageaccessibility and disability support webpage.

Wellbeing support and signposting (for staff)

"I had a highly positive experience with the Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service at our University. I received counselling, inclusion and learning advice, and used SilverCloud and Togetherall, all of which were incredibly helpful and supportive. The staff members were friendly and approachable to my needs and concerns. Their professionalism and empathy created a welcoming environment that made me feel valued and understood. I highly recommend these services to other students, as they play a crucial role in promoting overall wellbeing and inclusivity on campus."
PhD student EAST Asia
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Contact us
Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service
Telephone: 01206 873133