Support for students and staff - Moroccan earthquake and Libyan flood
Posted on behalf of: Internal Communications
Last updated: Thursday, 21 September 2023
The University offers its sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims affected by the recent earthquake in Morocco and flood in Libya.
In light of this tragic event, we have reached out to all students who have declared either a nationality or home address in Morocco or Lybia, to ensure that they are aware of the support available from the University.
Please see below advice, guidance and support available at Sussex for those impacted by the recent events.
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.
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.
You can also use our new online portal, My Sussex, to help you find advice or support services, and to manage appointments.
Health, support and wellbeing
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.
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 Morocco and Libya can also access confidential independent advice, information and support from the Employee Assistance Programme provided by Spectrum.Life - including access to highly qualified counsellors by phone, WhatsApp, live chat and SMS, or you can request a call back 24/7, 365 days a year.
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.