As events continue to unfold in Ukraine we know that some members of our Brunel community will be facing a particularly difficult time. Our thoughts are with everyone affected.
Over recent days we have been reaching out to those in our community who are directly impacted by these events to offer our support. We are in direct contact with staff and students who are working and studying in the region and have offered practical and emotional support where needed.
It is a worrying time for all of us and particularly difficult for some. We will do everything we can to support those who are or will be affected – in particular, staff and students who are from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and the surrounding region.
At Brunel, we pride ourselves on being a truly international, inclusive and respectful community where we can all study, work, socialise and live safely. We ask everyone to continue to respect and support each other at this difficult time.
If you see or experience any form of harassment or discrimination please let our 24/7 campus security team know or report it through our Report and Support system. Issues can be reported anonymously and we will take every incident seriously.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and strongly recommend that you follow Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advice, which currently advises against all travel to Ukraine and Russia.
If you need advice or support please do not hesitate to contact our University support and welfare services.
For staff
Care first, our Employee Assistance Programme can help with a wide range of work, family and personal issues, it's free and available to everyone working at Brunel 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
As well as fully trained Ukrainian and Russian speaking counsellors, all of the Care first team are receiving regular updates and training around the situation in Ukraine, so they can help to support people with practical queries around the situation in Ukraine. For example, if you wanted to know about how a family member in Ukraine could go about getting entry into the United Kingdom.
Look out for webinars specifically aimed at supporting employees around the situation in Ukraine and on helping children to cope with world conflict. You can find out how Care first is responding to provide appropriate advice and support here.
Details of further wellbeing support services are available on the intranet or you can speak to your line manager or HR Business Partner for advice.
For students
The Student Support and Welfare Team offer support and guidance on a range of personal, welfare, wellbeing and financial issues. They can be contacted by phone, +44 (0) 1895 267045 or email studentsupport@brunel.ac.uk and in-person appointments can also be arranged. The phone lines are open:
- Monday - Thursday: 9am - 4.30pm
- Friday: 10am - 4.30pm
We know that some students may find it difficult to focus on their work at this time. Anyone who feels their academic work is being affected should talk to their tutor in the first instance or our Extenuating Circumstances policy is also there for support.
For any student with financial concerns, support is available through our financial hardship support fund, by contacting the the Student Centre via studentsupport@brunel.ac.uk.
Our Student Support and Wellbeing team is already assisting students who are affected and we will continue to do everything we can to support members of our community who find themselves in difficult or dangerous circumstances.
Further support
Our Meeting House is open to all and our chaplaincy team are available if you want to have an informal conversation about anything that is impacting or worrying you. You can call them on +44 (0)1895 267253, email meeting-house@brunel.ac.uk or drop in to the Meeting House 9am-4pm Monday to Friday.