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Student Advice & Counselling Service

Who we are

Frankie EdwardsStudent Adviser

Emma NabavianStudent Counsellor

Overview of Service

Frankie:Advice (non-academic issues) Student Disability Support

Emma: Student Counselling

Advice• UK immigration – your immigration status, extending your visa, bringing

family to the UK, visas for Europe, options after your studies

• Accommodation queries – searching for accommodation, signposting to resources and other sources of support

• Financial concerns – budgeting advice, short-term loans, LSHTM Hardship Fund (international students) and government funds (home students)

• Orientation queries – opening a bank account, registering with a doctor, council tax, finding childcare, transport in London

• Any other day-to-day welfare matters

• Disability Support at LSHTM

What is a disability?

Under UK law, a person has a disability if:• they have a physical or mental impairment• the impairment has a substantial and long-term

adverse effect on their ability to perform day-to-day activities

long-term = has lasted or is likely to last for at least 12 monthsday-to-day activities = includes studying

Definition is from the Equality Act 2010

Examples of a disability

Physical or sensory impairments such as visual impairment, restricted mobility.

Mental health difficulties such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression.

Specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD.

Health conditions such as HIV, epilepsy, arthritis and cancer.

Support at LSHTM

Examples of adjustments at the school may include:• Assessment adjustments for modules and end of year

exams (e.g. extra time, rest breaks)• Loan of specialist equipment • Specialist software• Library support (e.g. extended loan periods)• Assessments for Dyslexia and other Specific Learning

Difficulties (SpLDs)• One-to-one specialist support (e.g. study skills,

mentoring)

How do I arrange support?

• If you need adjustments, you should contact me as soon as possible to arrange an appointment

• You must provide documentary evidence to access support which outlines how your disability may affect your studies e.g. Educational Psychologist’s report, medical evidence

• We will create a Learning Support Agreement to ensure appropriate support or adjustments are put in place

• If you are on a joint course with another institution, then you MUST also contact the other institution to make sure adjustments are in place with them

Counselling What is it?• An opportunity to discuss concerns with a trained and

impartial listener about:• Mental health conditions (bipolar, depression, anxiety etc)• Bereavement, relationship problems, difficulties related to

transitions, perfectionism, procrastination, self-esteem etc• Feeling down or anxious for no apparent reason• Getting into patterns which make your life harder than it

needs to be• Recent or long-standing issues

Counselling What sort of things do people say? Things like:• I feel everyone here is smarter than me, I shouldn’t be here• I’ve been feeling really down recently but I am not sure

why• I am not sure I really want to do this course after all• I’ve just broken up with my partner (or “I want to break up

with my partner”)• I have a history of mental health problems and wanted to

check in with someone in case I need help later on in my studies

• I keep finding myself in the same negative patterns

Counselling Answers to some common questions:• Your concerns do not need to be related to studying • No information goes on your main student record• Everything discussed is confidential (unless serious risk

of harm)• You may use the service whether or not you have a

diagnosed mental health condition• The service is available to all students based at the

School

Counselling What can I expect?• Space to talk about yourself freely (and in confidence)• To be listened to respectfully• To gain insight into why you feel the way you do• To identify thoughts and behaviours which may not be

helpful• To get a different perspective on your situation• To develop a more constructive approach

Counselling How to make contact:• E-mail to set up a time for an initial appointment• We can talk about whatever difficulties you are having

and think about what the next steps might be, including:

• Occasional “check-in” sessions• Weekly sessions (usually up to 6) • Other support

Other sources of support

• Fellow students, friends & family• Your personal tutor or supervisor• University of London Chaplaincy• London Nightline (confidential & anonymous student

telephone helpline)• Details on Student Advice & Counselling Service

intranet page

Did you miss the International Students Welcome last week?

A mini-repeat will run:

• Monday 5 October from 13:00 – 13:45 in John Snow Lecture Theatre• An e-mail reminder will be sent to all students this week• No need to sign up, just come along

International Students Welcome mini-repeat

This session will cover:• Registering with a doctor• Opening a UK bank account• Council Tax• Getting your student Oystercard • Support available to students

Accommodation Helpdesk

Still searching for accommodation?

The Accommodation Helpdesk is open every day this week from 12 – 2pm. Former students have been trained to support and advise you in your search for housing in London.

Located in the e-library (ground floor, Keppel Street) with access to computers, printer, phone line.

How to contact us

• E-mail us to arrange an appointmentstudentadvice@lshtm.ac.ukstudentcounselling@lshtm.ac.uk

• Frankie also has a sign-up sheet on her door• Offices located in the main Keppel Street building (near

Globe Room)• Our offices are private, confidential spaces• All meetings are one-to-one• Contact details also on intranet (via LSHTM homepage)

Enjoy your time at LSHTM and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need to ask anything – we are here to help!