Tuesday 07-09-2021 - 11:52

Happy September everybody!

 

There has been a definite buzz this week as students are starting to return to campus and we’re so excited about getting to meet lots of you in the coming weeks!

 

In your first few weeks at Edge Hill, there are so many things to do: scoping out the best freebies from our Welcome Fair, going on some amazing nights out during Welcome Week, meeting new course mates, finding your way around campus- the list goes on!

 

In all of the hustle and bustle, you can sometimes miss key bits of information from your induction sessions. But not to worry - I’ve got your back!

 

In this month’s blog, I’m going to take you through my Whistle-Stop Tour of Support at Edge Hill!

 

 

 

Your first port-of-call: Personal Tutors

 

Every student has their own Personal Tutor who is there to offer guidance on academic, personal and professional development whilst studying.

 

If you’re having trouble with an assignment or want some guidance around well-being, they’ll be able to point you in the right direction to get support. Personal tutors are only ever one email away, so make sure you keep in touch with them!

 

 

 

For those weird and wonderful questions: The Catalyst Helpdesk

 

As you walk into the Catalyst (our library building), take a right and head over to the large desk: there you’ll find the Catalyst Helpdesk team!

 

The team are able to answer virtually any question you might have, from who to speak to if you’re having money worries, to how to fix an IT issue.

 

The Catalyst Helpdesk can also put you in contact with lots of other specialist support teams, like the SpLD team, Chaplaincy, Careers and Counselling and Wellbeing services.

 

And the best part? You can reach the team online too! Visit their “Ask Us” page to look through their FAQ’s and have the opportunity to send in any of your own questions!

 

 

 

For safety and out-of-hours support: Campus Support

 

Campus Support can be found in the Security Hut at the main entrance to the Ormskirk Campus. The team are available 24/7 and are your go-to for out-of-hours advice and support, as well as being able to respond to any emergency situations on campus.

 

Campus Support carry out regular security patrols of campus and their aim is to make sure you feel safe on campus!

 

 

 

For independent advice: The SU Advice Centre

 

The SU Advice Centre is entirely INDEPENDENT from the university, which means they can give confidential, non-judgemental advice with your best interests at heart.

 

The Advisors cover academic appeals and complaints, housing guidance, disciplinary issues and student finance: basically, all of the topics that can really muddle your mind!

 

It couldn’t be easier to get an appointment with one of the Advisors! Just go to the Advice tab on the SU website and book an in-person or phone appointment at a time that’s convenient for you.

 

 

 

For digital mental health support: Togetherall

 

As an Edge Hill student, you have free access to an online service called Togetherall which you can access with your EHU log-in details.

 

Togetherall provides 24/7 access to self-help courses, journaling and goal setting tools, community areas to anonymously receive and give peer support, and so much more. The features are informal and non-judgemental, so you can dip in whenever you need to and let off some steam without fear of stigma.

 

The site also offers 24/7 access to their “Wall Guides,” a team of registered, licenced clinicians who you can anonymously chat with about how you’re feeling. The Wall Guides listen non-judgementally and can signpost you to useful resources on the Togetherall website, as well as Edge Hill services which might help.

 

And that just about wraps up the main places you can go for support whilst at Edge Hill!

 

The key thing to remember is that everyone wants to see you thrive during your time here, so never be afraid to reach out for advice or support!

 

 

This blog was written by Georgia Whalley-Smith, your current Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine Student Engagement Officer. If you’d like to get in touch with Georgia, or if you’re a Faculty of Health student and need some support on your course, simply email smithwg@edgehill.ac.uk.