麻豆视频

Student Wellbeing and Disability Support (SWaDS)

The University’s Student Wellbeing and Disability Support (SWaDS) team is the central point of contact for students who may need wellbeing, mental health or disability-related support. Student Advisors provide professional and confidential advice and guidance, helping students access the support, resources and adjustments they need to succeed during their time at 麻豆视频.

If you are concerned about a student's wellbeing, contact the SWaDS team for advice and support. Concerns can be discussed confidentially, and staff can help assess the situation and advise on appropriate next steps.

Emergency situations: If there is an immediate risk to a student's safety or the safety of others, follow the University's emergency procedures and contact the appropriate necessary.

FAQ’s

I am worried about a student. Can I share information without their consent?

Yes. You can discuss concerns with a Student Advisor without initially identifying the student. We can help you assess the situation and advise whether any further action is needed at this point, including where there are concerns about a student's wellbeing or safety.

If your concern relates specifically to safeguarding, such as concern the student may be vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, they are an adult at risk, or there is risk to a child, please report this directly via the safeguarding form or to the Deputy Safeguarding Lead (students) Fran Radcliffe.

If you believe there is an immediate risk to the student's safety or the safety of others, follow the University's emergency procedures without delay.

What information should I include when raising a concern?

Please provide any relevant observations, changes in behaviour, welfare concerns, and details of any contact you have already had with the student.

Where possible, share factual information rather than assumptions. This helps the Student Advisors assess the situation and determine the most appropriate support and next steps.

Will I receive feedback after raising a concern about a student?

In line with our Confidentiality Policy, we cannot discuss a student's personal circumstances or support arrangements without their consent.

However, where appropriate, we can confirm that your concern has been received and reviewed and whether the student has engaged with our service.

A student has disclosed a disability, long-term health condition, specific learning difference or mental health condition. What should I do?

Please encourage the student to contact SWaDS and let the team know about the information shared by the student about their condition(s) so they can reach out directly to discuss available support.

If the student believes they may have a condition but does not have a formal diagnosis, SWaDS can provide information about assessment pathways, screening options and the University support available.

I have been unable to contact a student. What should I do?

Student Advisors can help contact a student and encourage them to engage with support services. This may be particularly helpful where a student is reluctant to discuss concerns directly with their course team. If there are concerns about the student's wellbeing, Student Advisors can also assess whether further escalation is required.

For full guidance, including when to formally escalate a loss of contact case, please refer to the Loss of Contact Procedure and complete the Loss of Contact Form, including details of the contact attempts already made What is the difference between a loss of contact and a missing person case?

Most concerns begin as a loss of contact case, where a student has missed expected consecutive contact points but there is no immediate reason to believe they are at risk. A case may be escalated to a missing person concern if appropriate enquiries have been completed, no further information is available, and there is on-going concern for the student's whereabouts or safety. If you are unsure, follow the Loss of Contact Procedure and SWaDS will advise on the appropriate next steps.

A friend, family member or fellow student has contacted me because they are worried about a student. What should I do?

Concerns can be raised by anyone, including friends, family members, fellow students, or external parties.

Please pass the concern to the student's SAS team or the SWaDS team. The concern will then be assessed and managed through the University's student support and escalation processes.

Emergency support

Please see our emergencies page for information.

Guidance for staff

Students' Emergency Contact Policy
Student Welfare Handbook

Prevent Duty Statement
Safeguarding Policy 
Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy