The University offers its sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims affected by the recent earthquake in Syria and Turkey.

We are supporting those students and staff who are affected by it.

In light of this tragic event, the University has reached out to all students who have declared either a nationality or home address of these countries, to ensure that they are aware of the support available from the University for them.

Please see below advice, guidance and support available from the University for those impacted by the recent events, and information for students and staff on what to do if they want to help send support to those in Turkey and Syria.

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, and you can access these on the Student Hub

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.

Health, support and wellbeing: University of Sussex

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, although please be aware that there is currently a long waiting list.

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 Turkey and Syria can also access confidential independent advice, information and support from the Employee Assistance Programme provided by Health Assured, a professional organisation that offers 24 hour / 365 days-a-year telephone helpline that can provide counselling and specialist advice on a range of matters and in some circumstances can arrange face to face counselling.

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. 

If you would like to offer support

Local initiatives:

The Turkish Society at the University of Sussex is collecting donations at Library Square. Below are items that are requested to help those in need:

• Baby Formula, diapers
• Powerbanks, flashlights
• Sanitary products
• Winter clothing, coats, socks, and scarves (all ages and sizes)

The Meeting House is coordinating with the Red Cross and the Turkish Red Crescent to raise funds for those affected by the earthquake. 

Students and staff of all religions and none are invited to light candles in remembrance of those affected by the earthquake in the chapel, on the first floor of the Meeting House.

If you would like to donate money

If you would like to make a donation to organisations that are providing much needed support to those impacted by the earthquake, you may wish to consider the Disaster Emergency Relief appeal, the UK government will match donations pound for pound for the first £5m of donations under the DEC banner.