We know that students and staff with friends and family in Iran are extremely worried at this time, and our thoughts are with anyone affected. For those who are affected, please know you are not alone. We are here for you.
Such events can negatively impact on your overall wellbeing and mental health so it is really important to know where to access support should you need it, and to be reminded of the importance of prioritising self-care and wellbeing during stressful periods.
The University have pulled together a useful toolkit for anyone who feels upset, overwhelmed or anxious due to recent international events. Read on for relevant signposting to Support Services
Wellbeing support
The Student Support team is here to help you. Find out how to access support in the 'Support' section of the Hub
There is a 24/7 helpline, in addition to the Student Support Drop-In on the Preston Campus. For mental health, counselling and wellbeing support, you can also email wellbeing@lancashire.ac.uk or phone +44 (0)1772 893020. Both email and phone are monitored as follows:
- Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm
- Friday 9am - 4pm.
Student also have access to a 24/7 support service that is run by a team of mental health professionals.
If you need urgent mental health support, please visit our help in an emergency or crisis page.
Oasis Faith and Spirituality Centre and Spaces
The Oasis Faith and Spirituality Centre at the Preston Campus offers an unconditional welcome to those of all faiths, or none. There is also an Oasis Reflection Space at our Burnley and Westlakes campuses.
Our Muslim chaplain Imam Vasi Bhayat is available for drop-in sessions to provide pastoral and spiritual support to students and colleagues, including guidance on religious practice, prayer, wellbeing, and personal or academic challenges.
Alternatively, all of our chaplains and faith representatives, whatever their faith or spirituality, are here to provide pastoral, spiritual and wellbeing support to students and colleagues. They will listen with empathy and our Oasis centre and hubs offers a space to reflect, explore your faith, spirituality and beliefs, or take time out. You can find out more on
the University website.
We have neutral spaces on each campus that offer pastoral and spiritual support to all members of the University.
Preston Campus - The Oasis Faith and Spirituality Centre, Kirkham Street
Burnley Campus - The Oasis Reflection Space, located in Victoria Mill room VM134
Westlakes Campus - The Oasis Reflection Space
If you need support or just someone to speak to, a representative from the Chaplaincy team is available. Find out more on the Faith and Spirituality page of the Student Hub.
Academic Support
If you have been affected, there is academic support available to you. It is important to let your course tutor know if there are circumstances that may affect your ability to perform in your assessments and exams, or you are concerned about attending placements.
If you have been directly or indirectly impacted by these events then you may consider applying for Mitigating Circumstances to support you with assessment deadlines. If impacted by these events, you do not need to provide additional evidence to support your application at this time but should state the reasons why you are applying.
Financial Support
If you’ve been financially affected, the Student Support team is here to help. Please get in touch to let us know what you’re experiencing. If you’re facing a one‑off, unexpected, or emergency cost, you may be eligible for help through the University’s Exceptional Support Fund.
You can speak to an advisor by calling +44 (0)1772 891828 (option 2) or by emailing DHardshipFund@lancashire.ac.uk.
If you’re having difficulty paying your tuition fees, please contact our Accounts Receivable team so we can discuss your situation with you. You can reach them on +44 (0)1772 891828 (option 5) or by emailing CAccounts@lancashire.ac.uk
Students’ Union
We can also help with advice, representation and a listening ear
Reporting a Hate Crime
We don’t tolerate any form of discrimination, hate or harassment at the University. You can find more information about our stance here. Incidents of discrimination or harassment can be reported via Report and Support. This can be done either directly or anonymously.
In an emergency, or to report a crime, you should always call 999.
The Security team can also be contacted 24/7 by calling +44 (0)1772 892068, emailing security@lancashire.ac.uk or by going through the SafeZone app.
SafeZone
A reminder to all students that you are able to access and download a pioneering safety app called SafeZone.
The app provides many additional safety benefits, whether you’re working late, walking to your car at night, or have seen something that makes you feel uncomfortable. You can find out more in this SafeZone Student Hub article.