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Supporting Ukraine

As a University community, we are aware of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and our thoughts are very much with all those affected.

We have reached out to and are supporting students and staff from the countries directly involved.

On this page we’re sharing what you can do to help the people of Ukraine and the support we’re offering if you are finding the situation difficult to deal with.

How can you help Ukraine?

One of the best ways to help is by donating cash through trusted charities and aid organisations, rather than donating goods.

There are lots of organisations across the UK and internationally who have launched appeals. Following research and advice from a Ukrainian Communications professional, we have identified the following charities that we encourage you to donate to:

  • The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain: Donate here
  • Disasters Emergency Committee Ukrainian Appeal: Donate here

Our Social Work team, both staff and students, are holding a ‘Walk of Solidarity’ to support Ukraine. Taking place from 12.15pm on Wednesday 23 March the walk will start from the Faculty of Health building and will finish on the lawn outside Main Building. We’re inviting all students and staff to take part in this show of support for the Ukrainian people.

There will be buckets around the University for you to donate on the day and there is a dedicated JustGiving page here.

How can we help you?

While it’s right to think first and foremost about the impact on those caught up in the conflict, it’s also completely normal to feel upset from afar by what we’re seeing in Ukraine.

Since the start of the conflict, the media has shared in-depth updates, many containing distressing images and information.

Even if you’re thousands of miles away from the conflict and not directly impacted, it may still affect how you’re feeling. It’s normal that anxiety and fear will be heightened for many of us due to uncertainty about future security and safety.

Here are a few ways to help you through:

  • Talk to friends, family, flatmates, course or work friends so you can have your feelings validated and listen to someone else’s opinion on the situation
  • Speak to our Faith and Community team – available to students and staff of all faiths and none. We can offer a listening ear, pastoral guidance, support and encouragement, information and advice about faith and the issues it raises, prayer if you request it and signposting to other sources of help.  You can make an appointment here or email [email protected]
  • Drop-in between 12.30 and 2.00pm on Tuesday 22 March in the Willow Room, first floor of the Catalyst. You can speak to our volunteer chaplain Tom about how you are feeling, chat through any issues the conflict raises for you or just reflect together
  • Schedule into your week a walk round the trim trail with a friend or course/work mate or join one of the student or staff networks to get involved with a passion of yours
  • Visit our Faith and Reflection Room that provides a quiet space for reflection, contemplation, and prayer. It’s located in the Magnolia building at Forest Court and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Between 6.00am and 9.00pm, Monday to Friday – just use your Unicard to get in. Outside these times pop to the Security and Customer Information Centre and they’ll open the door for you
  • Manage your news intake. It’s natural to want to stay informed, but too much news can be overwhelming. Find a couple of trusted sources that you can rely on and set a time limit for how much you consume
  • Access free online 24/7 support with Togetherall – a safe space to get things off your chest, explore your feelings, get creative and learn how to self-manage your mental health and wellbeing. To join, simply go to togetherall.com and sign up under ‘organisation’ with your Edge Hill University email address

Specialist support

If you’re a student, the Wellbeing Team is here to support you with all your health and wellbeing needs throughout your time at Edge Hill.  During your university journey there may be times you feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious or low in mood.  We are here to offer emotional and practical support and can also help you access other services that may be relevant to you, such as counselling or external services.

If you would like to book an appointment to discuss anything at all use the webpage, visit the Catalyst Helpdesk or email [email protected] 

If you’re staff, you can access support via Occupational Health – just email [email protected]

If how you’re feeling is affecting your daily life it might be time to reach out for professional support.

Counselling offers a safe, confidential place to talk to a trained professional about your feelings and concerns.

Service for students
One-to-one talking therapy with experienced, qualified counsellors can help you to explore what is happening in your life, what you want to do differently and what your next steps might be. We can offer help in finding solutions to problems, ways of coping, or just a safe place to talk.

For more information on how counselling may be helpful to you, and for information on what to expect contact [email protected].

Service for staff
The University funds up to six sessions of counselling for both work and non-work-related issues. You can self-refer or be referred by your manager, Occupational Health or Human Resources. Call 01695 650988 (ext 7988) or email [email protected]