This page will be regularly updated. Last updated: 18 October 2023
As a truly international University our thoughts are with everyone affected by this terrible conflict in the Middle East. Some of our students and staff will be directly impacted and this is a time for mutual care and compassion for all within our community. We encourage anyone in need of help to make use of our support services.
University student and staff support services
When the conflict began, we wrote to students with connections to the region advising of the help and advice available to all our community:
- The University Counselling Service is available for students and staff and can offer one-to-one support for anyone in our community who is currently in the UK. Email for an appointment on counselling@abdn.ac.uk. For students and staff not in the UK, the team can also help advise on support available locally and virtually.
- The 24/7 Student Helpline can provide one-to-one counselling for students anywhere in the world. In the UK students can call the freephone number 0808 196 2707. Students living overseas should ring 0035315170277
- Our Multi-Faith Chaplaincy is available to all students and staff and is a place of pastoral support and you don’t need to have a faith to get in touch. The Chaplaincy team can be reached by emailing chaplaincy@abdn.ac.uk.
- Students with concerns over their studies should speak to staff in their School, can also email student.support@abdn.ac.uk and can access our wide range of student support and information services
- Staff can call the Employee Assistance Programme. The EAP is provided by Care First and staff can contact them about work related or personal issues as well as information, such as legal or financial advice. CareFirst is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can be contacted on the freephone number 0808 168 2143.
- Our Human Resources team is also on hand to support staff and you can contact your area’s HR advisor or partner using the details on the website.
Dealing with harassment
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The University will not tolerate harassment or discrimination at any time. Our campus should be a safe space for all. With a global community and at a time of high tension, we must be particularly mindful and respectful of each other
- Our online reporting tool enables anyone who has experienced any form of harassment to report the incident to the University. Staff, students and visitors to our campus can all use the tool, which can be used anonymously if preferred - you can submit a report or find out about external reporting agencies on this link.
Travel advice
- If you have any research or fieldwork in the region you must check the latest Government advice.
- Please consult the University Travel Policy to check for requirements relating to any kind of travel for purposes related to the activities of the University.
- Please consult the Risk Assessment for Field Trip/Work in Host Location / Fco Advice Area / Driving Abroad to identify the hazards and risk factor severity for any planned travel.
Information for researchers
- If you have concerns about the impact of the conflict on your research you should talk to your superviser/ line manager.