Hardship and Special Financial Assistance

1. Access Funds The Department for Education has established Access Funds to enable universities to provide financial help to students in financial difficulties. Part- and full-time UK undergraduates and postgraduate students are eligible to apply, as are refugees and "asylees". EU and international students are not eligible. Contact the Access Fund Office, Building 35, for an application form. New College students should contact the Student Information Office.

2. Student Loans Full-time UK students, refugees and "asylees" are also eligible to apply for a repayable loan to the Student Loan Company. Student loans are part of the Government's financial support package for students in taught Higher Education, and are available to help students meet their living costs. It is the student's decision whether to take out a loan and how much to borrow. They can borrow up to a maximum amount set each year. A booklet "Student Grants and Loans", published by the DfEE, is available from the Student Advice and Information Centre or the Student Loans Office, Building 35. New College students should contact the Student Information Office.

3. Students in financial difficulties as a result of late arrival of LEA grants/SLC Loans may apply direct to the Fees Officer for a small short-term loan: the size of the loan will be decided by the Fees Officer.

4. Students in general hardship or longer-term financial difficulties may seek help in one or both of the following ways:

   • Remission of tuition fees The student concerned, or the tutor, may apply to the Head of Department for remission of fees, wholly or in part. If the application is supported, the Head of Department will write to the Fees Officer who will then inform the Academic Registrar's Department, interview the student and report back to the Head of Department. It will then be the Head of Department's decision whether or not to submit the recommendation for remission of fees to the Dean of the Faculty. Consultation with the Dean of the Faculty at an early stage is advised since the cost of any remission is borne by the Faculty.

   • University Loan Fund A limited number of loans not exceeding £150 each may be made to students in difficult financial circumstances. Information and the conditions under which these loans are made may be obtained from the Fees Office (Mrs S Moisey, Ext 22990).

5. University Hardship Funds The University is prepared to consider applications for financial assistance from students in hardship resulting from circumstances beyond their control which have arisen since they first registered for their present course of study. Such help is normally available only to international and EU students and the funds available are extremely limited. Enquiries may be made to Dr Robert Green (Ext 23062).

6. Faculty Hardship Funds Some Faculties also operate hardship funds for their own students. Enquiries should be directed to the appropriate Faculty Office.

7. Benefits Full-time students are not eligible to claim Jobseekers' Allowance or Housing Benefit unless they are a lone parent, a pensioner, disabled or a student couple with children. Contact the Student Advice and Information Centre for details about students and benefits.

8. Trusts and Charities Students in need may be able to get help from charitable sources but the criteria for such funds tend to be very strict and it may take months to produce results. Details of such organisations are kept by the Student Advice and Information Centre.

9. Jobshop Students in financial need are invited to visit the Jobshop "Openings" which displays up-to-date vacancies for part-time work. (See below, Section 4.3)

10. Students with Disabilities. Students who have a specific learning difficulty or other disability may be eligible for the Disabled Students' Allowance, or other funding for their specialist support, and should be referred to Debbie Viney, the Disability Coordinator (Ext 25644, email dsv@soton.ac.uk).

4.2 Welfare Services: An Introduction: "The Worrying Student"

Tutors have an important role in supporting students and may be the first to recognise that a problem exists. 1% of students suffer from severe psychiatric disturbance. 10% of students suffer from significant psychological disturbance and as many as 30-40% need some form of support from friends, family, tutor, GP or counsellors. The difficulty that faces a tutor, is being able to recognise that a problem exists and knowing the appropriate path of referral. A good relationship between student and tutor is the first important step. The following are pointers to possible problems:

• Story of illness, over-anxiety or insomnia at 'A' levels or other examinations.
• Unexpected failure in examinations or courses.
• Falling performance in academic work.
• Over-meticulous work or inability to present work on time because of attempts to make it "perfect".
• No longer able to concentrate on work.
• No interest in or energy for social or leisure activities.
• Getting very little sleep.
• Avoiding other people, either at work or socially.
• Moody, short tempered or touchy.
• Unable to "get on with" people.
• Self-deprecation and self-blame.
• Over-activity and elation, which may alternate with lassitude or unhappiness.
• Heavy drinking.
• Rapid increase or decrease in weight.
• Unhygienic or unkempt.

The problems may well be related to alcohol or drug abuse. They may well be related to financial problems or problems within the family e.g. a history of sexual or physical abuse. Precipitating factors include past bereavement, bullying at school.

The worried tutor needs to consider whether the situation can be effectively managed within the Department or whether referral to one of the agencies within the University is indicated. The Counsellors, Chaplains, Advice & Information Centre, Disability Coordinator, Adviser to Dyslexic Students, Highfield Health and the University Health Service are all available sources of help. Where worrying students are also having difficulties with their academic work (e.g.time management, motivation, assignment planning. etc.) additional practical support may be available from a specialist study skills tutor: contact Dyslexia Services (Section 3.7 above) or the Disability Co-ordinator (Section 3.6 above) for further details.

With the support of the University, the University Health Service has developed a Student Mental Health Service in conjunction with the Brookvale Adolescent Service. Psychiatric, Psychological and Psychotherapeutic services are available. All the caring services are more than happy to help tutors in managing the problems they encounter, but tutors must be aware that patient confidentiality is absolute. On occasion, this means that the doctors, counsellor or chaplains are ethically prevented from discussing a student's illness with a tutor, although they are aware that it would be in the student's best interests to do so.

It must not be forgotten that beyond the University are the parents, friends and families of students who, for the most part, are very ready to help in many ways, once they know of a problem and if the student will let them know.

4.3 Welfare Services: Key Contacts and Service Details

Dr Robert Green, Academic Registrar's Department (Ext 23062), is the Co-ordinator of Student Services and should be approached for general advice or on topics not covered by the work of the agencies listed below. Mrs Janet Skinner (Ext 22759;email dyslexia@soton.ac.uk) is available to offer information and assistance to students with dyslexia. Miss Deb Viney (Ext 25644;email dsv@soton.ac.uk) is available to offer information, advice and assistance on any matter relating to a disability or chronic medical condition other than dyslexia.

4.3.2. Student Advice and Information Centre (SAIC)

Clare Best, Liz Robertson and Christine Winter, Advisers at the Student Advice and Information Centre (SAIC) offers assistance to all students of the University of Southampton on:

• Grants, loans, benefits
• Access and hardship funds
• Debt problems
• Housing rights
• Student visas and immigration
• Legal and consumer problems
• Academic appeals and other academic issues
• Disciplinary matters

Straightforward enquiries can normally be dealt with immediately but if an enquiry is more detailed, or at busy times, an appointment will be made with an adviser. Separate interview rooms are available for you to speak to an adviser in private; the service is completely confidential and impartial.

SAIC also provides the following services:

• Legal Advice: A local firm of solicitors hold regular surgeries at SAIC during term-time.
• English Language Classes and Conversation Scheme: Assistance with spoken English for International students and their partners
• Internews, an e-mail newsletter for international students

SAIC is open 10:00am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday, term-time and vacations and is situated on Level 4 of the Students' Union building, Highfield Campus. Telephone: 595241, e-mail: saic@soton.ac.uk

Clare Best of SAIC holds surgeries at Winchester Campus, Room 2069. These are currently held on Tuesdays, 9:30am - 12 noon, term-time only. Further details may be obtained from the WSA Students Union, Ext. 26988.

4.3.3. The University Counselling Service

The University Counselling Service is available to students and staff of the University and has a team of professionally trained and widely experienced Counsellors who are used to helping people from many different backgrounds and cultures.

When should staff come for counselling?

Staff come to the Service to explore a wide range of issues, sometimes work-related and oftern to do with their personal lives. Work-related stress or personal problems have an effect on how you manage your work, and counselling can enable you to gain a new perspective.

Counselling can help you to explore, clarify, confront and understand personal issues. The Counsellor will share an active role in this process, but will not give direct advice. By respecting your own values, choices and lifestyle, the Counsellor can work with you towards making choices or changes that are right for you.

The Counselling service works within the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy "Code of Ethics and Practice", and details of what happens in counselling sessions are held in complete confidence. Under normal circumstances, nothing will be revealed to anyone outside the Service without your express permission. Counselling sessions take place in a comfortable and private setting and are usually for 50 minutes once a week. Appointment times are available throughout the day and early evening. A reduced service is maintained during the vacations.

Counselling is available at 11/12 University Crescent (behind the Day Nursery) and at New College and Winchester School of Art. Enquiries and appointments for the Highfield and New College campuses can be made by telephoning the receptionist, Joy Hayles, on Ext 23719, or in person at the Service, between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm, Monday to Friday. Enquiries and appointments at Winchester School of Art should be made to Sarah Hughes, Ext 26918, between 9.00 am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. This informal and confidential service will endeavour to offer an initial appointment within a few days. However, the service does get very busy and we operate a waiting list for ongoing counselling. Nevertheless, every effort is made to see you as soon as possible.

When should staff suggest that a student contact the Service?

Sometimes students will approach staff and tell them about their problems; others cope by avoiding the issues, or communicating them indirectly, e.g. through deteriorating attendance and academic performance. Counselling may become advisable if the relationship with the student becomes difficult, i.e. too intense or overwhelming, and encouraging them to contact the Service could be a way forward.

Other useful contacts

Samaritans	08457-909090	Face to Face (under 25s)	01962-878300
No Limits (under 25s)	02380-511051	Victim Support	02380-650306
Nightline (Students' Union)	02380-595236	Relate (Couples)	02380-229761;01962-861336
Caring in Crisis (Pregnancy)	0800-028-2228	Citizens Advice Bureau (general)	02380-221406

4.3.4. Chaplains (Ext 23511)

The Chaplaincy Centre is at 52 University Road. There are three full-time Chaplains: Anglican, Roman Catholic and Free Church. They are available in the centre to talk confidentially and can be contacted out of hours at home. They are also able to given names of contacts for other faiths. The chaplains offer regular events for study, exploration, discussion and worship for both students and staff.

4.3.5. Careers Advisory Service (CAS) (Ext 23501)

The Careers Advisory Service is in Building 3. Termtime opening hours:
Monday to Friday 0830 - 1700

Vacation opening hours:
Monday - Friday 0830 - 1230, 1330 - 1630

Students will receive a warm welcome at the CAS throughout their time at University and beyond. They should be encouraged to begin their career planning as early as possible.

The Careers Service runs events throughout the year including Career Focus weeks for second years and finalists, a Work Experience Fair, Graduate Recruitment Fair and a programme of Skills Workshops run by major employers.

Careers Advisors, along with the Information and Employer Liaison stafff, can offer advice and guidance to enable students to make informed choices with regard to further study, postgraduate research or employment.

The extensive Careers Library contains paper, video and computer based resources for information and guidance on a self-help basis. The new web-based Library Catalogue allows students to identify resources quickly and effectively.

E-Jobs, a web-based service, allows student to identify part-time/casual/temporary work, year-long industrial placements, voluntary/community work and graduate appointments. For more details contact Michelle Kavan, (mk3@soton.ac.uk) (Placements Manager) or Kim Lange (ksl@soton.ac.uk) for graduate appointments.

All CAS activities are advertised in their fortnightly term-time publication Careers News and on their Web site at: http://www.soton.ac.uk/~careers/

4.3.6. "Openings"

"Openings" is a Jobshop, and is part of the Careers Advisory Service, located on the ground floor of Building 3.

"Openings" assists students to secure employment while they are studying at the University, and displays up-to-date vacancies in the following areas:

• part-time/casual/temporary work
• seasonal work
• year-long industrial placements
• eight-week project-based placements
• voluntary/community work

The Jobshop is open, in termtime, between Monday and Friday, 10.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., and 2.30/4.00 p.m.; and, in vacations, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning from 10.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.

Further information from Gill Gregory, the Manager, on Ext 25750 or, by e-mail, from G.Gregory@soton.ac.uk

4.3.7. Highfield Health

Doctors - Christine Ursell, Nicholas Lowe

Practice Nurses - Jenny Brown and Judith Bashford

Manager - Patricia Chambers

Telephone: 023-8059-5545 / Ext 25545

Facsimile: 023 8059-5844

Emergency: 023-8090-4949

e-mail: surgery@highfieldhealth.co.uk

Website: http://www.mailgate.highfieldhealth.co.uk

Location: 31 University Road, Highfield Campus (2 minutes from the Students' Union)

Office/Surgery hours:
Monday - Friday 0830 - 1730
Saturday 0830 - 1200

We run three surgeries a day with a lunchtime session to fit in with lecture times.

Highfield Health is located close to the Students' Union with easy access for the University population. We provide a personalized and caring general medical service to the staff, students and families of the University.

With 20 years experience of providing medical care to the university population, many clinics have been developed to cater for the needs of students. We have a patient-centred approach with surgery times geared to the convenience of patients.

The Practice is part of a co-operative of local GP's called SPOC, which provides a high-quality out of hours emergency service. If you need to contact a doctor outside of normal hours this emergency number is given in the practice leaflet and on the practice answerphone.

To register with Highfield Health either visit the website or visit us at 31 University Road.

4.3.8. The University Health Service

Partners: Drs Sarah Armstrong, Theresa Creagh, Larry Day, Chris James and Heather Wilson

Assistant GP: Dr Louise Dubras

Nurses: Anneline Carter, Di McLean, Maggie Williams and Una Winfield

Manager: Wendy Mills

Telephone: 023-8055-7531 or Ext 23539. These numbers should also be used for contacting the Duty Doctor out of office hours for medical emergencies.

E-Mail: unidocs@cix.co.uk

Facsimile: 023-8059-3259

Website: www.unidocs.co.uk

Location: Building 48, Highfield Campus (next to Turner Sims Concert Hall)

Office hours: Monday-Friday 8.15am - 5.30pm

The University Health Service is a five-partner Practice and was established 40 years ago to serve the needs of students, staff and their families. We specialise in providing health care for the University community and we campaign on behalf of students in the commissioning of health care. We are the Occupational Health providers to the University.

We hold surgeries throughout the day between 8.30 am and 5.00 pm. Urgent cases will always be seen on the same day by the duty nurse or doctor.

The Practice provides a wide range of services, including travel clinics, well person clinics, contraceptive services, antenatal care, child health services, asthma clinics, acupuncture, diabetic clinics and sports injury clinics. A physiotherapist and psychotherapist both hold clinics at the Practice.

To register with the Practice, call in at Reception, or register online at www.unidocs.co.uk For full details of the Practice, visit our website at www.unidocs.co.uk

4.3.9. University Day Nurseries

The University has Day Nurseries on both the Highfield and New College campus. They are open to children from four months to five years of age and offer a caring and stimulating atmosphere for the children of staff and students of the University. A multi-activity scheme for children aged four to twelve years operates during school holidays: please contact the Ext 23465 for more details. The qualified staff are experienced in providing a happy learning environment within a multi-cultural setting. Early application is essential as there is a lengthy waiting list and places cannot be guaranteed. Appointments can be arranged to visit either nursery. For further details please contact Melanie Corne, Day Nursery Co-ordinator on Ext. 23465.

4.3.10. Nightline

Nightline is a confidential telephone listening service run by students for students and is located at 8 University Crescent. Telephone 671222 any night during term-time, 2000 - 0800 hours.