Medical and health concerns

If you are concerned about possible coronavirus symptoms for you or someone you live with go to: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms-and-what-to-do. Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

If you are still living on or around campus, and have a physical injury or are experiencing severe symptoms (e.g. pain, vomiting, bleeding, or have taken an overdose, you should go to Accident & Emergency Department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro (TR1 3LQ).

Mental health emergencies

24/7 NHS mental health response line for support and advice- call free on 0800 038 5300, any time day or night if you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health. The team behind the open access telephone response line will listen to you and determine how best to help.

If you are having suicidal thoughts and intend to act on them imminently, you should call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

If you need an ambulance on campus – call Glasney Lodge emergency line on 01326 254444, to ask them to call an ambulance.

If a health professional has given you a specific phone number to call when you are concerned about your condition, continue to use that number.

If you are currently being supported by a Community Mental Health Team you can call your Care Co-ordinator or the duty worker. If this is in Cornwall you can call Tel 01872 221000 between 9am – 5pm Mon – Fri. Outside of these hours you can call Support Matters on Tel 0800 001 4330.

There are also some external organisations you may find helpful, listed below.

Papyrus

If you are feeling unsafe or are worried about the safety of someone else, Papyrus operate a phone helpline between the following times:

Monday – Friday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Weekends and Bank holidays: 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Call: 0800 068 4141
Text: 07786 209697
pat@papyrus-uk.org
https://papyrus-uk.org

Shout

Shout is the UK’s 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.

Text Shout to 85258

Samaritans

Anyone experiencing emotional distress can contact the Samaritans free at any time on 116 123. You can also email them on jo@samaritans.org.

Between Tuesday and Thursday each week during term time we students who are new to the University or just new to our service can self book an appointment with the team by following the link here. These meetings can be 1-1 to discuss your support needs or any issues or concerns that may be impacting upon you or your studies. They can also be used for yourself and a few friends to come in and have a bespoke talk through the array of student support and services available to you here in Penryn.

In terms of helping understand some of the student support available, the FXplus team have also produced the below video: 

In addition to the guide above, this year for the first time the Education Welfare team in Penryn are inviting students to touch base if they would like to have an in person induction either 1-1 or with a small group of friends. We can also offer this via Video call if preferred. These sessions will cover an overview of services available but also give plenty of opportunity for asking any questions you may have. They will be running throughout term time so can be accessed at your convenience.

If you would like to book onto such a session with us please email us at welfare.penryn@exeter.ac.uk

Looking after your emotional health and wellbeing is an important skill both at university and in your everyday life. Building skills which enable you to be more resilient in the face of challenges is an effective way of supporting your wellbeing. We cannot avoid challenges or difficult experiences but we can learn to respond differently to these events.

Students can face a lot of natural challenges during their time at university such as:

• moving to a new place
• leaving behind friends/family and familiar surroundings
• managing finances
• living independently for the first time
• meeting new people from a variety of backgrounds
• adjusting to new routines

Go to My Wellbeing Toolkit for information and techniques to help you think about skills which could support you to stay healthy and resilient at university.

What is the Health, Wellbeing and Support for Study Procedure (HWSS)?

The HWSS procedure is a supportive procedure that is used when there are concerns about a student’s health and wellbeing. The student may be struggling to either meet academic learning outcomes and course competencies or to manage other aspects of university life, and it is felt these difficulties are not likely to be resolved in a single meeting with support staff.

Why does the University have a HWSS procedure?

Health and wellbeing are crucial ingredients to a successful and fulfilling student experience. However, the University recognises that difficulties with health and wellbeing are very common.  A student’s health and wellbeing may impact on their ability to study, reach their potential and make the most of their time at University.  The HWSS sets out a structure where the difficulties a student may have can be discussed and available support options considered. Then a plan can be put in place to help the student get back on track.

 The overall HWSS aims are to ensure that:

• The best interests of the student are considered in relation to their personal situation, their health, wellbeing and/or any disability they may be experiencing
• Students are supported to study and manage their health, wellbeing and current circumstances to the best of their ability, and wherever possible to meet the required learning outcomes and complete their course
• Students who are experiencing difficulties in relation to their health, wellbeing and/or disability are supported to address their difficulties at the earliest appropriate point
• Students are able to make informed decisions regarding options available
• Any reasonable adjustments that may be recommended for  the student  are considered and put in place
• Staff from Colleges/hubs/departments and from central Support Services work together where appropriate so that students experience a consistent and fair process

The University will aim to ensure that the HWSS procedure is used sensitively, ensuring the student is at the centre of the process, and making all possible steps to minimise additional stress and anxiety.

Who is the HWSS procedure for?

The procedure can be used for all students including undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether they are on full-time or part-time courses.

The only exception is when a student is studying a course that is accredited by a professional body such as HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council), GMC (General Medical Council).  In these cases an alternative procedure is likely to be used, such as Fitness to Practice.

The procedure may be used when there are ongoing concerns about a student’s academic progress and/or behaviour or ability to function appropriately at university. These concerns could be the result of mental or physical ill health or disability.

How is the HWSS procedure structured?

There are 3 levels to the HWSS procedure:

• Level 1 is when there are concerns about a student’s health/disability/wellbeing that may be affecting their ability to progress academically or engage in the University experience, and that may require ongoing action and review.
• Level 2 is used when there are continued concerns that were not being resolved by Level 1 meetings, or where the concerns about a student’s health and wellbeing are more significant and a higher level of support or response from the University is needed.
• Level 3 is where there is serious concern about a student’s health, disability, wellbeing, behaviour or safety, and/or their ability to cope at university. In most cases Level 3 would only be used when all options of support have been exhausted and when a student has not engaged with recommendations at Level 2.

How will I be contacted/informed about the HWSS?

HWSS (Level 1 and 2) can be requested by any member of the Welfare team in Penryn. HWSS (Level 1 and 2) can be requested by any member of staff who is involved with the student.  This can be college support staff, academic staff, residence life team leaders, or Wellbeing Services member of staff. The meetings themselves are convened by the Education Support Advisors (Welfare), who decide whether the process is appropriate for the student. Best practice is that students will have been informed about the HWSS procedure before they are invited. Students will be invited to a meeting either by email, telephone or during a face-to-face discussion. An E mail invitation will be sent for Level 2.The email will explain what the meeting is, and inform the student that it is a supportive procedure.  The decision to hold a Level 3 meeting is made by the Head of Student Services, Head of Wellbeing, or Head of Professional Services (Penryn).

Students will be informed by email or letter about the need for a Level 2 or Level 3 meeting  at least 2 working days before the meeting is due to be held.

Students are encouraged to prioritise attendance at these meetings. However, there may be occasions where the student has a prior commitment that cannot be changed ie medical appointment. In these circumstances every effort will be made to offer an alternative date to meet.

Who will attend the meetings?

Level 1 meetings are fairly informal and attendance of staff members is kept to a minimum. The Education Support Advisor (Welfare) will attend, plus other relevant staff members.

Students will be informed who is attending and the reason for their attendance. Occasionally a student may wish to request that a different member of staff attend the meeting. This request will be accommodated if possible.

Attendance at a Level 2 meeting could include staff that have an academic or support role with the student, as well as someone who holds the appropriate level of responsibility and decision-making regarding possible options for the student. Members of staff from Wellbeing Services may attend.

Level 3 meetings will often be attended by the same people at Level 2 (or appropriate qualified staff). It will be chaired by the Head of Wellbeing Services or nominee.  An invited GP/medic may also attend these meetings.  At Level 3 the members of the panel may meet initially prior to the student’s attendance. The role of the initial meeting is to present key information to the Chair and to consider potential options.  Final decisions are made at a subsequent meeting when the student is present.

All meetings will be held in a quiet, private space.

If a student does not attend the pre-arranged and agreed meeting, the meeting may continue in the student’s absence.

What will happen during a meeting?

The meeting is likely to include:

• An introduction by the person running the meeting, and a summary of why the meeting has been called. 
• An opportunity for the student to explain their situation and/or give an update on what has been happening to them.  Please note that the student doesn’t have to share in-depth personal information in the meeting.  However, it can be helpful to share information about current health and impact on studies and life so that the student’s individual circumstances can be taken into account. 
• Consideration of a student’s individual learning plan (ILP) and discussion about any adjustments that might need to be added to the ILP, or that due to learning outcomes are not deemed reasonable.
• Exploration of support options/networks available to the student.
• Formulation of a plan about how to move forward.
• Clarification of next steps (for example setting a review date, clarifying what happens if the student isn’t able to meet the agreed plan).

What will happen after the meeting?

A summary of the meeting and agreed actions will be written up and a copy sent to the student and any other participants no more than 5 working days after the meeting.  A copy of this report will be kept in a confidential space within the College and/or other relevant University team notes system. A future review meeting may be arranged at that point.

Will the HWSS process ever recommend that a student withdraws from the University?

The aim of the HWSS procedure is to support students to remain on their programme of study wherever possible. However, it is acknowledged that there are occasions where all options of support have been exhausted and the student is not well enough to continue.  In such instances the procedure may recommend interruption from studies as the best support outcome for the circumstances.

A student can choose to agree with the recommendation to interrupt or they may decide to continue and risk not passing their academic year. There are the rare occasions when all support options have been considered and it is felt the student is too unwell and the only option is to require the student to interrupt or withdraw. This outcome can only be agreed at Level 3 of the HWSS procedure. 

The University is committed to ensuring that the HWSS procedure is used sensitively, that the student is fully involved and that all possible steps are taken to minimise additional stress and anxiety whilst ensuring the appropriate support is put in place.

The full HWSS procedure can be found at

http://www.exeter.ac.uk/staff/policies/calendar/part1/otherregs/health/

The University of Exeter is an inclusive community, where everyone has the right to be treated with respect. Harassment, bullying, intimidation and discrimination go against all we stand for and will not be tolerated. If you've experienced or witnessed any of the above we encourage you to report it and to get the support you might need.

Sexual assault/harassment/abuse and consent are often discussed in the media and are issues that affect many people. It is important that you know what these terms mean and that you can easily recognise if you, or someone you know, has been impacted by these issues. There is a lot of support available across the University whether you have recently been affected by these issues or you were affected by these issues in the past.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse is when a person is forced to engage in sexual acts against their will. This could include touching, looking at sexual images or forcing someone to watch sexual activity and usually refers to an act against a child (or someone under 18) rather than adults.

Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is when someone is verbally abused in a sexual nature. It covers behaviours such as sexual coercion, unwanted touching or kissing, persistent pestering for dates/sex or catcalling/verbally harassing someone.

Sexual assault

Sexual assault is an act of physical, psychological or emotional violation in the form of a sexual act. Sexual assault can be committed by any person no matter what their relationship to the victim (i.e. a husband can sexually assault his wife or vice a versa). Consent is key to determining if the actions were sexual assault or not.

Rape is when a man intentionally penetrates the vagina, anus or mouth with his penis against their will or without their consent. It is a criminal offence and a form of sexual assault.

Date rape is when a person uses drugs to sedate a person in order to have sex with them.

What is consent?

Consent is when the people engaged in a sexual act have both freely agreed to the act taking place. Sex without consent is rape. Consent can never be assumed. For example, the need for seeking consent still applies:

• If you are married
• If you have had sexual relationships with the person before, or are in a relationship with the person
• If the person previously gave consent but later changed their mind

Having conversations about consent

Talking about consent doesn’t have to be a difficult conversation. If you are having sexual relationships it is important to be able to discuss these issues with your partner.

How can you check you have consent?

Here are some things to think about before you engage in sexual relationships with a partner:

• Do you know the person definitely wants to engage in sexual activities?
• Have you asked the person what sexual activity they are happy engaging in?
• Is the other person capable of giving consent – are they under the influence of drugs/alcohol, do they have a mental health condition or learning disability that could affect their ability to give consent?
• Has the person actively agreed to engage in sexual activity? Silence does not guarantee that they consent.

Take a look at the video ‘Tea and Consent’ created by Thames Valley Police which further explains consent.

The University of Exeter developed a quiz discussing consent and other issues which you may have taken when registering.

Remember!

It is both parties' responsibility to get consent before engaging in sexual activities. Once you have asked the person if they are happy to proceed, continue to check they are comfortable in engaging in each new type of sexual activity. Look for facial expressions and body language – do they seem eager and comfortable? If not, ask them if they are ok and if you are in doubt – stop! Make sure you know you have consent rather than assume it. Someone may do nothing to stop intercourse or verbally say no, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are giving consent – they may not feel they are able to say ‘no’. It is better to actively check rather than make assumptions.

Take a look at the campaigns the University is involved in around these issues on the Exeter Speaks Out pages.

Help and Support

If you have experienced any of these issues there are a variety of options for support and advice within the University and externally.

Report an incident:

If you want to report an incident that has occurred on University grounds or is related to the University of Exeter, see the Exeter Speaks Out website.

In an emergency, when you feel at immediate risk, please dial 999.

Alternatively, you can contact the local police on 101 if it is not an emergency.

Wellbeing support:

If you want emotional support for a recent or historic incident but don’t want to report it to the police at this time, you can contact Wellbeing who can help you to find the right support for you. If you need any assistance in linking in with Wellbeing you can also contact the Welfare team in person by coming to the Info point in the Peter Lanyon building and asking for a meeting, by phone on 01326 255284 or by email at welfare.penryn@exeter.ac.uk

You may also wish to contact one of the following specialised services for support:

• The Willow Centre Truro, 01872272059 + 0300 3034626
• National Rape Crisis Line, 080 802 9999
• The Rape and Sexual Abuse Line. 0808 800 0188
• First Light Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Service - 0300 777 4777
• First Light Independent Sexual Violence Advisory Service (ISVA) - 03458 12 12 12

The Truth Project:

If you have experienced childhood sexual abuse you may wish to participate in the Truth Project which enables survivors to share their experiences in a supportive and confidential setting. For more information visit the website.

Education Welfare team - Penryn

If your mental or physical health or wellbeing is having an effect on your ability to study, or your studying is creating health problems for you, then our helpful and experienced Education Welfare Team are available to talk to you in a confidential and non-judgemental way about any issues you may need support with.   

Your Education Welfare team in Penryn is made up of –

• Education Welfare Manager  - Alex Lewis
• Education Wefare Adviser - Fiona Williams
• Education Welfare Officer  - Tracey Burrell

We can help with:

• Worries about your academic progress due to a health or wellbeing difficulty
• Identifying Internal and external support services available to you and how to access them.
• Support around mitigation queries and concerns + can signpost to colleagues for any difficulties with college procedures such as assessment submission. 
• Residential field trip welfare and adjustments
• One-off meetings to provide support around a specific study-related problem or issue
• Ongoing support through the Health, Wellbeing and Support for Study process (See information on this process in the menu above).
• Support around interrupting your studies
• Provision of support to Student Carers, Care leavers and students who feel that they would benefit from a direct welfare contact for support.

How to get in touch with your Education Welfare Team

The Penryn Welfare team are available between 09:00 and 17:00 Monday to Friday.  We will be offering a range of meeting types in the 21/22 academic year in order to try and best adapt to meet student needs. We will be offering Video meetings via Teams, Telephone meetings and in person meetings too.

In order to arrange a meeting with a member of the team please make contact with us by emailing welfare.penryn@exeter.ac.uk in the first instance. You can also call on 01326 371847 or 01326 371875,

Drop ins

We will be running Virtual drop in sessions between 2 and 4 on Wednesday afternoons during term time. These will commence in Week 2 of each term and will take place via a secure and confidential online chat system. Students will be able to make contact with us to get quick answers re a range of things from support available through to specific issues with studies such as mitigation needs. We can also through the chat if necessary book a longer appointment slot to speak directly to a member of our team.

Please note that at busy times the team may not be able to get back to you straight away. If you have an urgent query about your studies, for example an imminent assessment deadline that you need assistance with, please contact the Info Point for help. For emergencies relating to your Health or Wellbeing please utilise the emergency contact information at the top of the page.

Talks and activities

During term time, you will find a number of talks and activities occurring on campus run by the Education Welfare Team and Wellbeing Services that you can access, both on campus and online. Please see below for details of activities coming up in Term 1:

In term one we will be bringing the Wellbeing Van down to Penryn and running a range of wellbeing focussed promotions and activities.

The first of these visits will be taking place on the 17th of September, with dates in October and November to follow too. The Van will be based between the Stannary and SU building so come along and meet the team and learn more about how to manage your wellbeing, welfare and studies.

Please check back soon for event/activity details!

List of useful FAQ pages

• Examinations, Assessments, Progression and Awarding
• Accessing and Using Study Spaces
• Accommodation (Covid 19 safety information)
• CareerZone
• Mitigation
• Studyhub

We are a confidential service and ask students to complete a consent to liaise form ahead of their first meeting of each year with the team. This form will give you control over how your information is shared. If you have any questions about the form or how your data is stored and shared please do not hesitate to contact the team.

We understand that the impact of financial worry on mental health can be significant. We also hear from students that poor mental health can make managing money harder. This is a difficult cycle and breaking it might require some support. We have partnered with SilverCloud to enable students to access a CBT-based course dedicated to financial worry and its impact. You can access this course for free.

For more information on support available please book an appointment to see us. You can also keep up to date with updates on what is available via this web page.