In this series ‘Meet Student Services‘ we will be talking to teams throughout Student Services, putting a face to the team name, getting to know them and the services on offer to all students at The University of Reading.

This time let’s meet The Student Welfare Team

Name:

Elena Bradley-Syrett – Student Welfare Team

A little more about you:

I joined the university in the summer of 2018 and (as much as possible!) have been enjoying its green campus ever since.

As a team we like to use walks around campus as a stress-buster, you will often find us pacing around the lake on a lunch break and enjoying the ducks and swans!

Tell us about the services your team provides:

The Welfare team is here to help you with any personal difficulties you may experience during your time at the University. We can advise on a wide range of personal and welfare issues that you may find are having an impact on your studies and day-to-day life, including:

• Settling in and adjusting to University life
• Crisis support
• Difficulties with flat/housemates
• Family or relationship issues
• Harassment and bullying
• Drug or alcohol issues
• If you are a victim of violence (crime/sexual/domestic)
• Struggling to manage carer responsibilities
• Concerns about a friend
• If you don’t know where to go for help

There are 2 ways you can access help from the Student Welfare team:

• Appointment – you can email the team at studentwelfare@reading.ac.uk and ask to arrange an appointment with one of the Welfare Officers
• Drop-In– We offer a drop-in service in the Carrington building, where you can come along and speak to the Duty Welfare Officer in person, on Monday – Thursday – 13:00 -16:00, Friday – 10:00 -16:00

At the drop-in or at your first appointment, a Welfare Officer will speak to you to understand your situation and consider the help and support you might need.

If you require longer-term support we will look to connect you with your designated School Welfare Officer.

You can also call 0118 378 4777 – Monday – Friday between 10:00 and 16:00 to speak to a member of the team and arrange an appointment if needed.

 A tip(s) for students at UoR:

Don’t underestimate looking after the basics:

• Eat well and stay hydrated, both make the world of difference in feeling energised and ready to study or enjoy your own time
• Take breaks from studying and spend time doing things that make you feel good
• Try to get outside and enjoy some fresh air each day
• Talk to people who care about you

Get some movement in each day, even just a half an hour walk can be enough to energize.

Get in contact/find out more:

• The Student Welfare Team
• Call 0118 378 4777 – Monday – Friday between 10:00 and 16:00
• studentwelfare@reading.ac.uk
• We offer a drop-in service in the Carrington building, where you can come along and speak to the Duty Welfare Officer in person, on Monday – Thursday – 13:00 -16:00, Friday – 10:00 -16:00