Seeking Support from SSW
Seeking Support from SSW
Find out what happens when you approach Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) for the first time.
1. Make initial contact with SSW reception
The easiest way to contact Student Support and Wellbeing is by emailing reception.
- Canterbury: KentSSW@kent.ac.uk
- Medway: MedwaySSW@kent.ac.uk
Counselling works a bit differently: If you would like to sign up for counselling, please contact us at counselling@kent.ac.uk in order to request a registration form link.
2. You may then be registered with SSW.
If you have a known medical or mental health condition, or think you could benefit from support with Specific Learning Difficulties, autism, chronic conditions, disabilities or mental health issues, you can register with Student Support and Wellbeing so we can help get your support in place.
3. You may be booked an appointment with one of three types of advisers, as appropriate.
Even if your condition is suspected rather than confirmed, we can still book you in with the appropriate advisor.
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Mental Health Adviser
For support with mental health issues, and known ADHD.
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SpLD Adviser
For support with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) such as dyslexia, or suspected ADHD.
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Disability Adviser
For support with autism, sight or hearing loss, long-term medical needs, or physical disabilities.
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Specialist Wellbeing Adviser
For support with bullying, harassment, or sexual assault.
Mental Health Adviser
During the appointment:
- You may be asked to provide medical evidence of your condition so that an Inclusive Learning Plan (ILP) can be put in place.
- You may be advised to apply for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) if you are eligible, to provide specialist equipment and support. This might mean that the you could be eligible for one to one support with a mental health or autism support Mentor which we can arrange through SSW.
- You may be recommended to register for counselling support if helpful. This support we can arranged through SSW.
SpLD Adviser
If you think you have a Specific Learning Difficulty such as dyslexia, you can be screened during their appointment with the SpLD Adviser.
If appropriate, you can be referred for a more detailed assessment with one of our external Assessors.
During the appointment:
- An ILP can be created with more information on your Specific Learning Difficulty to help you manage your studies.
- You may be advised to apply for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) if you are eligible, for provide specialist equipment and support. This might mean that you could receive one to one support with a Study Skills Tutor which we can arrange through SSW.
Disability Adviser
With medical evidence of your condition, we can create an ILP to help manage it during your studies.
During the appointment:
- You may be recommended for an on-campus assessment, if needed.
- You may be advised to apply for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) to provide specialist equipment and support. As part of the DSA application an external Assessment of Needs will be carried out which will recommend what equipment or support might benefit you.
- You may be offered in-class support from an Educational Support Assistant (ESA). We can arrange this through SSW.
Specialist Wellbeing Adviser
We have specialist staff providing practical support and advice to students reporting sexual assault, harassment or rape, and discrimination, hate incidents or bullying.
If you'd rather not speak to a receptionist to make an appointment, you can report and incident and request support via our online platform, REPORT + SUPPORT.
The relevant Specialist Wellbeing Adviser will then contact you and discuss next steps, which could also include a face-to-face appointment.
During the appointment:
- The Adviser will ask for a brief account of what happened, but you don't have to provide detail if you don't want to. One of the first things discussed is confidentiality.
- You can talk about things including immediate practical, emotional and psychological support, referrals to counselling, and reporting options.
- For incidents of sexual assault and harassment, you can explore sexual health options or going to the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).
Need help now?
There are ways to get immediate support if you find you need help right away not during office hours (Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00 UK time) or without an appointment.
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