We know that colleagues and students will be shocked and saddened by the shootings that took place over the weekend - on the Brown University campus in America, and at the Hannukah celebration on Bondi Beach in Australia.
Our thoughts are with those who have died, and we hope for a swift recovery for those injured.
Concerns from our Jewish community
We understand Jewish colleagues and students may be concerned, due to heightened safety concerns and vulnerability. If you have any specific concerns then please do speak to your personal tutor, student support team, or you can speak to the Oasis Faith and Spirituality team in confidence.
The following support is available if you need it:
Support for students
Wellbeing support
Our 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, and you can find details here on the Student Hub, 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 01772 893020. Both email and phone are monitored as follows:
Oasis Faith and Spirituality Centre
The Oasis Faith and Spirituality Centre at our 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.
Rabbi Danny Bergson, our Jewish Faith Advisor, can be contacted via email rabbi@shulbythesea.co.uk
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.
Reporting a hate crime/antisemitism
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 01772 892068, emailing security@lancashire.ac.uk or by going through the SafeZone app.
You can also report antisemitism by calling the Community Security Trust's (CST) Student Helpline (24-hr) on 07578 201 999. You can find out more on the CST website.
SafeZone
A reminder to all colleagues 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 Intranet article.
Academic and placement support
If you have been affected by the recent incident, 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.
Students’ Union
The Students’ Union can also help with advice, representation and a listening ear. Find out more on the Students’ Union website.
Please look out for each other during this difficult time.