University of Sussex initiatives

This page lists a wide range of activities across campus either promoting kindness or helping members of the University of Sussex to engage with acts of kindness. This ranges from student-led groups to university-led events and initiatives.

• Sussex 2025 Strategic Framework

  Kindness has been included as one of the university’s five core values in the 2025 Strategic Framework. These values are designed to shape what the university says and does across all actions and activities.

• Civic University Agreement

  The University of Sussex is one of 30 universities to sign the Civic University Agreement in which universities pledge to expand the role they play in their local community. As part of this, the university has a number of partnerships with local councils and health bodies, providing free services to the local community. Find out more Sussex commitment to the Civic University Agreement. 

• Student Centre

  The Student Life Centre is the first port of call for any student that has questions, queries, worries or concerns about any aspect of student life. Find out more about the range of services and support on offer in Student Centre.

• University of Sussex Student Union - Student Societies

  There are a number of student-led societies at Sussex that engage with acts of kindness. Some examples include the Wildlife and Conservation Society, The Bike Shack, Students for Global Health, Help the Homeless Society, and Sustainable Fashion Collective. A full list of student societies can be found on the Student Union website.

• University of Sussex Student Union - Buddy Scheme

  The Buddy Scheme is a peer to peer support scheme coordinated by the Students’ Union that aims to help new students settle into life at University and Brighton.

• Student Minds Look After your Mate Workshop

  This workshop, led by Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity, provides students with the skills required to offer support to friends. The workshop encourages students to be as kind and supportive to others as possible. Find out more about the Look After your Mate workshops.

• Mindfulness Meditation

  Chris McDermott, the lead chaplain at the University of Sussex offers free mindfulness meditation sessions for staff and students throughout the week. These are drop-in sessions and you don't need to register, but check the Mindfulness Mediation sessions timetable in advance.

• Free Wednesdays

  Every Wednesday during term-time, from 12:00 – 13:30, the Students’ Union provide Sussex students with free sanitary products, free drug-testing kits, and free condoms at Falmer House reception.  

• Sussex Sport - Commit to Get Fit and Active Staff

  Commit to Get Fit is a month-long annual event at Sussex, providing staff with free fitness activities throughout May and encouraging staff to connect with colleagues across campus. Active Staff is a summer programme to support staff on their way to becoming as active as possible, buy providing fitness and wellbeing opportunities.

• Connector Cafe peer support network

  The Connector Cafe Peer Support Network is made up of trained student volunteers and offers an informal space for Sussex students to talk and be listened to, all with free tea and biscuits! Find out more about the Find out more.

• Annual Awareness Weeks

  Go Green Week

  During February, University of Sussex host Go Green Week. There are multiple events and activities occurring across campus that promote kindness towards our planet! Find out more information about the Go Green Week initiative on the Students' Union website.

  One World Sussex

  During March, One World Sussex hosts One World Week. This annual celebration includes events that showcase food, language and culture from across the globe, promoting a shared identity as a global community.