LGBTQPIA+ students guide to winchester
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Winchester Student Union is passionate about ensuring you have every opportunity to get the most from your student experience while at Winchester, and that you feel supported and represented throughout your time as a student. The University of Winchester cares about every student and embodying the institutional values of Spirituality, Compassion and Individuals Matter. We also recognise that all students have an individual student experience complete with different challenges, so this guide is written in partnership with students from Spectrum Students Network, Winchester Student Union, and the University of Winchester to provide you with support and tips to help you enjoy life as an LGBTQPIA+ student at Winchester.
s p e c t r u m s t u d e n t s n e t wo r k Spectrum Students Network is a representational network under Winchester Student Union. Representational networks are student-led groups which have an increased focus on advocating equality, diversity and accessibility within specific underrepresented student groups to directly improve the experience of students from the background they represent. Spectrum is the lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer / questioning, pan, intersex / intergender, ace / aro + (LGBTQPIA+) representational network that provides a supportive and welcoming place for students within the LGBTQPIA+ community. We host fun social events and get involved with charities and campaigns. Our member-elected committee works carefully in partnership with the Student Union team to support our members in day-to-day life at university. Spectrum provides a platform for LGBTQPIA+ students to find one another in which students often feel they have gained a second family, with social activities ranging from afternoon tea to alcoholic and non-alcoholic socials. We also hold regular events, these centre around discussions and current events that concern queer issues, the wider community and also an international perspective of LGBTQPIA+ issues.
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LG B T Q P I A + S T U D E N T S G U I D E T O W I N C H E S T E R
We have strong links (and aim to develop this) with the wider community. For example, Spectrum takes part in the Hampshire Pride festival, and we often liaise with Kroma (an LGBTQPIA+ organisation) which helps members to bond with other LGBTQPIA+ individuals and bridges the gap between the older and younger generation. Members also have the opportunity to be involved with various charities that the network has formed links with, including: Mind, Stonewall, The Kaleidoscope Trust and the LGBT Consortium. Spectrum have a core ethos of making sure that every member is accepted and is as comfortable as possible. Here’s what a member of Spectrum has to say: "Spectrum has provided such a caring and supportive community that has been vital for myself and others as we study at the University of Winchester. As I journey further into my university experience, I look forward to raising more awareness of LGBTQPIA+ identities and fighting for more equal opportunities, both across campus and the UK." Join Spectrum Students Network via the Student Union website here: www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/networks
s p e c t r u m s t u d e n t s n e t wo r k Follow us on social media to keep up to date with our events and more: SpectrumWinch @SpectrumWinch uowspectrum If you have any queries, feel free to contact us on: spectrumwinch@gmail.com
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LG B T Q P I A + S T U D E N T S G U I D E T O W I N C H E S T E R
S t o n e wa l l D i v e r s i t y C h a m p i o n The University is dedicated to supporting equality and as a result has been recognised as a Stonewall Diversity Champion since 2010. This highlights the work and commitment Winchester has done to support those from all gender identities and sexual orientations including: an OUTList (a list of students and staff who identify as sexual minorities, and those who are heterosexual allies) and an Equality and Diversity Blog. If you’re interested in writing for the blog, email: press@winchester.ac.uk
U n i v e r s i t y fa c i l i t i e s There are a number of dedicated gender-neutral toilets available across the King Alfred Quarter, and all toilets in the West Downs Centre are gender-neutral. The University also adheres to ‘toilet rules’ where students and staff may use the bathrooms they identify with. If you declare that you are Transgender on your housing application, you will be prioritised for housing. You are also welcome to re-apply for housing for all subsequent years of being a student.
Gender Identity and Transgender support If you would like to have your University records identify you as a gender that differs from the one you are currently identified with, then this is a very simple process. Your records can be changed before you arrive at University or at any time after you begin your studies with us. We can also arrange to liaise with your programme (or not) in any way that best suits you to ensure that your experience is as smooth as possible. You can contact equality@winchester.ac.uk if you would like to discuss this further.
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LG B T Q P I A + S T U D E N T S G U I D E T O W I N C H E S T E R
L G BTQ P I A + co m m u n i t y i n t h e lo c a l a re a Whilst Winchester is not well known for its scene, here are some of the Gay friendly highlights which you may be interested in: The Crown and Anchor pub in Winchester fly the Pride flag and often host a variety of LGBTQPIA+ themed events, along with The Railway Inn and Cabinet Rooms. The University is proud to have the annual Hampshire Pride event established by our staff and students in 2014. Now, it welcomes thousands and has seen the entire city flying rainbow flags. Why not become a volunteer at the next event? You can find out more at: www.hampshirepride.com. Get in touch with Kroma, an organisation for the LGBTQPIA+ community operating specifically in Hampshire and the Isle of White. You can find out more at: www.kromalgbt.org.uk Enjoy the nightlife in neighbouring Southampton at The Edge & The Box Bar (an award-winning gay nightclub) and Surburbia. Southampton also host an annual Pride, you can find out more here: www.southamptonpride.org
Additional useful links and addresses: Switchboard (LGBTQPIA+ helpline) - 0800 0119 100 / hello@switchboard.lgbt Hampshire LGBT+ Alliance (Hampshire-based LGBT+ Networks that have pledged to work together)
st u d e n t l e d . st u d e n t d e l i v e re d . st u d e n ts e m p ow e re d
LG B T Q P I A + S T U D E N T S G U I D E T O W I N C H E S T E R
S U P P O R T AVA I L A B L E Student Support and Success The University’s Student Support and Success team offer a wide variety of student support services to ensure all of your wellbeing needs are met. Support is available from the Mental Wellbeing team, Student Academic Support, Student Life Advisers, Students and Money, Disabilities and Learning Diversity Advisers and more. Email: studentservices@winchester.ac.uk Winchester Student Union Advice Centre Winchester Student Union Advice Centre offers free, independent and impartial support and guidance on a range of issues that may be impacting upon your University experience. We specialise in supporting students through the academic processes of appeals, misconduct or complaints, and the Advice Centre also provides support on issues such as wellbeing, money, and housing. Visit: www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/advice for more information, to read our toolkits, or to book an appointment with our Student Union Advisor Student Listeners This is a peer support scheme run for students, by students who have received training in listening and support skills. Come to our Wellbeing Cafe and speak to our Student Listeners about anything from homesickness, low self-esteem, relationship/housemate difficulties, to course worries and more. Why not become a Student Listener yourself? Email: studentlisteners@winchester.ac.uk Nightline Nightline is a confidential out-of-hours listening service, run for students by students. Lines are open from 6pm-8am during term time. Call: 0207 631 0101 Text: 07717 989 900 Careers and Opportunities Hub This is a one-stop-shop for all students and graduates who are thinking about their employability and next steps. Made up of Careers, Volunteering, Winchester Hub, Placements and Enterprise, we support students to make the most of their time at university and prepare for life afterwards. Email: Careers@winchester.ac.uk
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LG B T Q P I A + S T U D E N T S G U I D E T O W I N C H E S T E R
C o m m i t m e n t to E q ua l i t y a n d D i v e rs i t y Both the University and Winchester Student Union aim to celebrate diversity in all forms in order to create a safe, hospitable and inclusive environment. The Equality and Diversity forum is open to all staff and students who are interested in advancing inclusivity, equality and diversity at the University. Search ‘Equality and Diversity’ on the intranet for more information including meeting dates.
r e p o r t i n g d i s c r i m i n at i o n The University and Student Union have a strict zero tolerance policy on any form of discrimination. Together we are committed to tackling any hate crime, harassment, bullying or violence, and we hold the view that bullying and harassment is never okay. A hate crime is any crime that is motivated by hostility or prejudice based on race or ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, sexual identity or gender identity. There is support available for you if you have experienced or witnessed anything that made you feel uncomfortable or concerned you. We would always encourage you to report any incident because it can prevent similar things from happening to other people and it sends an important message about what behaviour is acceptable within the student community. It can also help us to understand the prevalence of hate crime, harassment, bullying or violence within Union and University activity. If you should ever find yourself in any harassing or inappropriate situation in which you are being discriminated against, we encourage you to take any of the following steps: • You can report harassment, bullying and violence (including anonymous reporting) via the University's Report + Support system: https://reportandsupport.winchester.ac.uk • Get in contact and seek advice from our Student Support and Success team (search for ‘Student Support and Success’ on the intranet, or email: studentservices@winchester.ac.uk) • Winchester Student Union Advice Centre can support you with an academic appeal if you have evidence of prejudice or bias: www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/advice • For Winchester-specific support with online harassment visit: https://stoponlinebullying.winchester.ac.uk/ st u d e n t l e d . st u d e n t d e l i v e re d . st u d e n ts e m p ow e re d
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WINCHES TER S T UDEN T U NIO N S T UDEN T LED . S T UDEN T DELIVERED . S T UDEN T S EMP O WERED . Winchester Student Union is run for students, by students. We are an independent organisation from the University itself, and we are dedicated to representing and supporting you as students, as well as providing a wide range of opportunities, activities and events for all students across our Education, Welfare, Activities and Services Zones. Student welfare is a priority for the Student Union, and we understand the challenges many students face when going to University. The Student Union President leads on the Union’s work to represent all student demographic groups, ensuring the equality, diversity and accessibility of the Union and liaising with the University. You can email them directly at SU_Pres@winchester.ac.uk to get involved, to raise issues you may be facing or to suggest campaigns or areas of focus for the Union. The Student Union runs campaigns throughout the year based on issues faced and areas raised by students, such as the introduction of Representational Networks and our ‘Rainbow Laces’ campaign to show our support to the LGBTQPIA+ community, the aim of which is to ‘kick homophobia out of sport’ and ‘making sport everyone’s game’. There is also a dedicated LGBTQPIA+ Students Representative on Student Advisory Council, and all demographics from our representational networks are represented at Student Senate. If you experience harassment, intolerance or violence at any Student Union run event, or activity, you can alert any member of Union staff who will be able to provide support and assistance, or make a report via our website www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/report. With a dedicated Advice Centre and a friendly team of elected officers here to represent you, your Student Union is here for you throughout your time as a student at Winchester.
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