We are deeply saddened by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the wider geographical area. We are heartbroken by the impact it is having on families, individuals, and members of our University community.
Our foremost priority is to stand with and support all students who are impacted. We want you to know that we are here for you, and that there are a range of support options available, outlined below.
What's Happening?
There is ongoing conflict across parts of the Middle East, with serious humanitarian, political, and social consequences. For many members of our community, this situation is deeply personal and distressing.
Students are encouraged to seek information from trusted news and humanitarian sources and to be mindful of the emotional impact of continual exposure to distressing news.
How May This Affect Students?
The conflict may affect students in different ways. Some students may:
- Have personal, family, or cultural connections to the region
- Be affected by distressing news, images, or social media content
- Experience anxiety, grief, fear, or a sense of helplessness
- Encounter harassment, bullying, or discrimination linked to the conflict
The SU and the University recognise that everyone’s experience is different, and support is available.
How Can You Help?
Alongside our continuing conversations with our student groups, we'd like to reach out to all students affected, whether you’re a member of a Student Group or not, you are part of our SU community, and we want to ensure that all students feel that they can approach The SU at this time. We are therefore keen to hear suggestions of anything else you'd like to see from us to facilitate this. Please contact our SU officer team at suofficers@bath.ac.uk with your thoughts.
- If you would like to run a fundraiser, check out our Fundraising Toolkit or contact volunteers@bath.ac.uk.
- If you would like support to run a vigil or a demonstration, please contact suofficers@bath.ac.uk to talk through your idea. If any member of the University (staff or student) wants to organise an on-campus ‘vigil or demonstration’ of any kind, they need to be aware of the University of Bath's Regulation 18. Paragraphs 18.14-18.16 of Reg. 18 outline what the University policy is for such events.
- As an SU, we support our student groups and leaders in being compliant with this regulation and work with the organiser(s) and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s office to ensure a smooth event is planned.
Where Can Students Seek Support?
- University Student Support is available every day of the year. A helpdesk is available in The Roper Centre in 4 West. You can also contact Student Support via email studentsupport@bath.ac.uk.
- The “Be Well - Talk Now” service provides free, confidential advice and support by phone, video call or live chat from anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. From within the UK, please call 0808 196 8046. From outside the UK, please call +44 3 307771499, or visit webpages for more information and the live chat link.
- Impartial and confidential help is also available from The SU’s Advice and Support Centre, particularly if you are unsure of who to contact, or need to submit Individual Mitigating Circumstances relating to the impact of the conflict.
- The Chaplaincy staff are happy to talk with anyone who has been affected, in total confidence. Please email chaplaincy@bath.ac.uk or Ian Spence, Coordinating Faith Leader at ids37@bath.ac.uk.
- If you have experienced harassment, bullying, or discrimination within the University community you can report through Support and Report and can do so anonymously if you wish.
- If you wish to seek support related to an incidence of hate crime which has occurred in Bath outside of the University community, there are support agencies who can help you.
- The University of Bath Financial Support Fund provides limited financial support for students who are experiencing financial difficulties, or a change in financial circumstances due to unforeseen events and are unable to meet basic or unexpected additional costs from other sources of support.
The University has also released an update - Support for students and staff.