Disability & Wellbeing Support

We are committed to providing the best possible support for disabled students. We offer support to students with physical and sensory impairments, specific learning difficulties, autistic spectrum disorders, mental health conditions, and long-term health conditions. Anything you tell us regarding your disability or health condition will be dealt with in strict confidence.

The following are included under the umbrella term ‘disabilities’:

• Specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia)
• Visual impairment
• Deafness or hearing impairment
• Mobility difficulties
• Mental health conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety)
• Autistic spectrum conditions
• Long-term health issues (e.g. diabetes, arthritis, cancer, Crohn’s disease)

We know that each person’s disability can affect them in different ways, so the support we offer is flexible and tailored to each individual.  We encourage all students with disabilities to contact us so that we can discuss meeting your individual needs.

We have created a Self-care Guide for Students which aims to help students cope with any university stress they could face. It also includes links to teams within UCEM that can provide support and information about the external charities we advocate.

Disability & Additional Needs Policy

Our full Disability and Additional Needs Policy can be found on our main Code of Practice page here.

Student Finance & Bursary Scheme

If you are a UK-based, non-apprenticeship student, you may be entitled to apply for DSAs (Disabled Student Allowances), please see the Student Finance and Bursary Scheme for further details.

Useful Awareness Events

5^th March University Mental Health Day

University Mental Health Day brings together students and staff to make mental health a university-wide priority. More information can be found on the University Mental Health Day website.

18^th-24^th May Mental Health Awareness Week

Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, this week focuses on encouraging conversation around mental health and the support we can offer one another. More information can be found on the Mental Health Foundation website.

15^th-21^st June Men’s Health Week

This week works to ensure that all men and boys have the information, services and treatments they need to live healthier lives. More information can be found on the Men’s Health Forum website.

24^th July Talk to Us

Samaritans is there to listen, without judgement, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Talk to Us is one of the ways Samaritans raises awareness of their service and local branches. More information can be found on the Samaritans website.

5^th-11^th October Dyslexia Awareness Week

Focusing on empowering those with dyslexia, this week highlights what we can do to support those with neurodiversity.

9^th-15^th October Dyspraxia Awareness Week

The aim of the week is to raise awareness of dyspraxia and break down the stigmas that continue to surround it.

3^rd December International Day of People with Disabilities

Promoted by the United Nations, this international observance day aims to empower disabled people across the globe. More information can be found on the United Nations website.