The Wellbeing Team hopes you've had a fulfilling semester at Sussex! If things haven't gone as planned, please remember that support is still available to you. This newsletter contains information about the resources you can access during the winter break, as well as staff availability. Wishing you a restful break!

Wellbeing canvas site:

Staff and students can self-enrol onto the Student Wellbeing canvas site. Here, we compile all the wellbeing support available in one place so that students can easily find it. Don’t forget to check out our new page called “Who might I meet for support?”.

Winter Break Information: Wellbeing canvas site:

Support available for students over the winter break. Please find here a list of all of the events available to students across the winter break. Alternatively, you can follow us on Instagram @universityofsussexwellbeing for more details.

Discover our New Wellbeing Library Area:

We are excited to introduce our new Library Wellbeing Area, located near the Quiet Entrance on the North side of the Library. This freshly refurbished space is perfect for taking a break from your studies or work.

The Wellbeing Area features a refreshed collection of books, including mental and physical health resources, fiction, and graphic novels. You'll find comfortable sofas, chairs, and two pods with dimmable lighting, creating a calming atmosphere. Surrounded by plants and a lovely view, this space is a little sanctuary.

Togetherall:

Togetherall is a 24/7 digital platform offering anonymous peer support for mental health. It provides a safe, moderated space for users to share experiences, connect with others, and access self-help tools. It fosters resilience and wellbeing through community support and guided resources for personal growth. Here is some specific information about how the platform can be use over the winter break.

Exceptional Circumstances:

Exceptional circumstances are short-term, unexpected, and beyond the student's control, such as illness, bereavement, or jury service. Eligible students can claim for late submission, non-submission, or impaired performance. Claims must meet specific deadlines and follow a three-stage process: assessment, outcome, and appeal. Students with reasonable adjustments can also claim under certain conditions. Guidance, support, and more information are available through the Student Centre and Students' Union or via email at ec.claim@sussex.ac.uk. However, students are not required to see an advisor in order to apply.

Advice for students:

For general academic skills, please refer to the skills hub. If you are unable to complete your work, attend an exam or were impaired (this can only be done retrospectively ), students can complete an exceptional circumstances claim. You can do this independently or with support but it is important to read the guidelines to ensure they do this correctly.

Other than the minimum service days, the welcome desk in the student centre will be staffed as usual (Mon-Fri 8:30-5) but please be aware that there will be staff shortages across the University either side of the days as many people take annual leave. 

Wellbeing Instagram:

@universityofsussexwellbeing
Find out about resources, events and drop-ins taking place on campus and the local area, to support your overall well-being. Give us a follow to stay up to date! We also now host “pet of the week”. Email us or DM us to enter your pet!