askUS: Our student support service

SUPPORT

YOUR UNIVERSITY DAYS CAN BE THE MOST EXCITING TIME OF YOUR LIFE, BUT THEY CAN ALSO BE CHALLENGING. Whatever your personal circumstances, we want to make your Salford experience a positive one, which is why we’ve created our dedicated, specialist support service, askUS.

salford.ac.uk/askus

ANY QUESTIONS JUST

WE CAN OFFER YOU HELP AND ADVICE ON A WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES. Watch a short video from one of our Student Advisers to find out more

vimeo.com/universityofsalford/askus

WHATEVER’S ON YOUR MIND, JUST ASKUS!

COUNSELLING, WELLBEING AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

If you don’t feel comfortable talking about a problem or worry with friends, family or your tutor, it can sometimes be easier to speak to someone you don’t know. Wellbeing Advisers provide you with a confidential non-judgmental space where you feel listened to. They will help to explore solutions for any emotional problems you may be experiencing. We have a mental health nurse, a psychologist and three social workers who are accessible through an appointment with a Wellbeing Adviser and you can receive ongoing support with them if this is appropriate. We also have relationships with external services should you need further ongoing support or a supported referral to a specialist service. We offer a counselling service that provides talking therapy and can help you on your personal journey to understanding your issues. These sessions are confidential and your information won’t be shared with any other services, except in the most exceptional of circumstances. Find out more at salford.ac.uk/askus/support/wellbeing-and-counselling

SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH CHILDREN

Starting a degree whilst looking after young children can be challenging, but there is a wealth of services available to you at Salford to allow you to achieve your learning goals. Busy Bees nursery, located on our Frederick Road campus, is open 8.00am – 6.00pm every weekday, offering places for babies and children aged three months to five years old (the nursery is independent from the University, places must be pre-booked and are subject to availability). Help with childcare costs is available to students. Visit gov.uk/childcare-grant for details and to check your eligibility.

We also have support for pregnant students and those juggling family and student life. Find out more at salford.ac.uk/askus/support/students-families

RESPECT, CULTURE AND BEHAVIOURS

The Respect, Culture and Behaviours team are here to support students who experience any forms of abuse or harassment whilst at University. We believe that bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, domestic abuse, stalking, physical violence racism and microaggressions are never OK. We have a team of specially trained advisers who can support students who may be experiencing these issues. Anyone can report abuse or harassment to the team, using the Report and Support platform. We will ensure that anyone who makes a report to us, will be offered support and advice on their options. We want to create a safe and inclusive campus for all here at Salford.

For more information, please visit reportandsupport.salford.ac.uk or you can contact the team on report-it@salford.ac.uk

LGBTQIA+

Greater Manchester is a great place to be LGBTQI+. It is one of the gayest cities in the UK and even holds the largest Trans festival in the world, the Sparkle Weekend. Canal Street is where all things LGBTQI+ are centred, not just gay bars and restaurants but community facilities also have a presence there. The University participates in Manchester Pride each year and you are welcome to come and celebrate Pride with us.

If you are from a country where LGBTQI+ rights are not as good as in the UK, it can be hard to come out and meet people. But don't worry, we make it easy to do this. In askUS we have an LGBTQI+ Team that can advise you and help you meet people. Contact them at lgbt@salford.ac.uk.

We also host the Salford Trans Forum which will meet regularly throughout the year and links you with other Trans and NonBinary students. The Student Union also have a LGBTQI+ Society which is another opportunity to meet people and socialise.

The University is a long time Stonewall Champion and actively supports LGBTQI+ inclusion across the UK.

ACCESSING OUR CAMPUS, TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT

DISABILITY INCLUSION SERVICE

Disability is a word used to describe any sensory, physical or medical condition which may impact on your day to day life and also your ability to undertake study.

Here in the UK if you have a disability, you may be entitled to support to ensure there are no barriers getting in the way of you accessing the campus or participating in any timetabled sessions or assessments. For example, if you have a physical condition which means you experience pain, have to attend medical appointments, take prescribed medication which may impact your concentration etc, you may benefit from support such as access to a cushioned chair during your sessions and exams, movement breaks, access to in-class support to assist with lifting equipment, assistance in taking notes etc. The level of support will depend upon your disability and assessed needs.

Or, if you when you read text it jiggles or moves about, you misread or have to re-read the text over again or you may have difficulty with spelling or sentence structure, find it difficult to recall information or experience difficulties with word retrieval we advise you to speak with our service.

If you experience any barriers to study due to a mental health condition, learning difficulty or physical, sensory, health or medical condition please do not hesitate to contact our Disability Inclusion Service. You may be surprised what support is available. We assist students with:

/ Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD

/ Autism spectrum conditions including

Asperger’s / Long-term medical conditions such as epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, cancer, HIV and diabetes

/ Mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression and bipolar affective disorder

/ Physical disabilities including multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, hypermobility syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome

/ Hearing and visual impairments

/ Mobility difficulties

/ Temporary injuries such as broken bones or recovery from an operation

When you meet with a Disability Inclusion Adviser we will discuss who you feel comfortable in sharing your information with and for what purposes. If you feel we can offer you some assistance please contact us as soon as possible so we can discuss your requirements prior to your arrival. Our Advisers are here to support you.

For more information about how we can support you, visit

askus.salford.ac.uk/disability

email disability@salford.ac.uk or call +44 (0)161 295 0023 (option 1, option 2).

STUDY SUPPORT

Studying at a UK University can be a little different to what you might be used to. Our experts are here to support you and help you improve your skills in writing essays, referencing, using IT, your academic English and more. You can access the support through online resources, webinars and drop-in sessions which are available when you first join us and throughout your course. Find more information about how we can support your academic skills at salford.ac.uk/skills/international-student-support

SANCTUARY SEEKERS

If you are seeking asylum, have humanitarian protection or have limited leave to remain, you will not be seen as an international student by us, as some Universities do. You will be a Home Student and Home Student fees will apply to you.

We also provide support for asylum seekers and refugees, find out more at salford.ac.uk/askus/support/sanctuary-seekers

MONEY

Living independently and having to budget for the first time can be difficult at first, but there are steps you can take to make sure you manage your money to make it go further. For sign-posting to more guidance and tips on money matters, see page 64 or visit salford.ac.uk/askus/topics/money

FAITH

Salford is a tolerant, diverse community where students of all faiths, religions, beliefs - and none - are welcomed. We are proud of our dedicated Faith Centre on Peel Park campus which offers chaplaincy services, Chapel, Muslim Prayer Hall and Kosher kitchen as well as spaces for reflection, discussion, learning, socialising and celebration. Find out more at salford.ac.uk/askus/support/faith

Check us out at salfordstudents.com

Follow us and find out what you can expect:

@salfordSU

WE’RE RUN BY STUDENTS, FOR STUDENTS, REPRESENTING YOU DURING YOUR TIME AT UNIVERSITY - so come and visit us to make sure your time at Salford is truly unforgettable!

HERE AT YOUR STUDENTS’ UNION, WE WORK AROUND THE CLOCK TO MAKE SURE YOU LOVE YOUR LIFE AT SALFORD. We provide everything from our Advice Centre to sports clubs and societies, right through to amazing food, drink and incredible events in the heart of campus, at Atmosphere.

STUDENTS’ UNION

The University of Salford Students’ Union (USSU), which is run independently from the University, is here to help you love your life at Salford. It is made up of studentelected representatives and provides: / Low cost meals in Atmosphere

/ Two shops on campus, selling low cost supplies and groceries

/ Over 100 different activity groups and sports teams

/ Social events such as comedy nights, quiz nights and Bandaoke - a live karaoke band!

/ National Union of Students (NUS) discount cards for high street shops and services

/ Support to improve your experience at university

/ Housing advice which is free, impartial, confidential and independent. Whether you are living in Salford or are commuting from further away, our advisors can advise you on your housing rights.

Our Students’ Union also provides support services. This includes the Students’ Union Advice Centre which supports students with academic matters by providing independent, professional advice, also the Denizen scheme which supports students who are in on-campus accommodation.

Rafiki is the Students’ Union’s listening service, led by students, for students. If you’re experiencing any problems while you’re at university, you can come in and talk to our volunteers. They are trained students and can listen to you and provide peer support. They can also signpost you to support services on campus or externally which can help. Rafiki, based in University House is a drop-in service, so you don’t need an appointment. We also offer an instant messaging service. Head to salfordstudents.com/rafiki to find out more.

Watch this video featuring our international students to hear more about our sports and societies

vimeo.com/718632284

To find out more about the Students’ Union, visit

salfordstudents.com