Health and wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing with The Student Support and Wellbeing Team

We are committed to improving access to learning and provide a wide range of support. We have expert staff to support students and discuss academic adjustments. We can help with mental health, disability, autism and specific learning differences (SpLDs, including ADHD and dyslexia), and accessibility.
Register with Student Support and Wellbeing
Urgent support

HELPFUL SHORTCUTS...

Mental Health

This also includes information on Counselling

Disability Support

This includes Disability and also Neurodiversity support.

Specialist support

Advice on sexual assault or rape, discrimination, hate incidents or bullying.

SSW Newsletter

Please see the link to our new termly Newsletter that includes all our upcoming events.

ILP Student Glossary

Find out what each reasonable adjustment on your ILP means

Winter Health

Winter vaccinations and winter health - looking after yourself

Winter Break

Please note Student Support and Wellbeing will close for the winter break from 17.00 on Friday 19th December and will reopen on Friday 2nd January 2026.


If you are in need of urgent support please see our Getting Support Now webpages.

Student Mind have created the follow advice and information to support students through the winter break and the holidays, including:



Student Support and Wellbeing Reception closes at 16:45

Our final appointments are at 16:30. If you would like to book an appointment to see an Adviser please email us at kentssw@kent.ac.uk. If you need Urgent Support please go to Nursing Services, Campus Security, or contact Spectrum. You can do this by phoning 0800 0318227 and press option 1. Or Text/WhatsApp 'Hi' to +44 (0)7418 360780.
Links to other Urgent Services can be found here.

Dealing with worldwide events

The recent escalation in conflict between Israel and Iran has caused widespread concern and we are thinking particularly of our staff, students and all those affected by the increased violence over the past week. As a University of Sanctuary, we encourage initiatives and dialogues in support of peace worldwide and work with organisations to help preserve the right to education across the globe wherever it is impacted by war.

We are also very aware that staff and students may be feeling worried about the safety of loved ones. Also that some of you may be feeling anxious and disturbed by the images on the news and social media. If you have lived through similar events yourself, the current crisis may be bringing up some very traumatic memories. There is support available at Kent for staff and students that’s here for you during these unsettling times.

Support available at Kent

Mental Health and Wellbeing

  • Counselling offers a safe confidential space to help you re-balance thoughts, feelings and behaviours about life in general.
  • Mental health advisers can assist you with managing the impact of your mental health on your academic progress and your day to day wellbeing.
  • Specialist wellbeing support - practical help and advice on sexual assault or rape, discrimination, hate incidents or bullying.
  • Addiction support - manage addiction and restore control, including gaming, gambling and substance use.

Disability and Neurodiversity Support

  • Specific learning differences - advisers, study skills tutors and mentors can support you to manage and thrive with dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD.
  • Autism support can help with transition into university life, managing academic work, accommodation and socialising.
  • Disability support is available for students with mobility issues, hearing loss or visual impairment, and both long term and temporary health issues.
  • Long-term health conditions - get advice and support in making the most of uni life whilst managing conditions such as chronic fatigue or diabetes.

Accessing Learning and Support

Looking for more specific support?

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Self-help resources

A compiled list of resources, including charities and external providers where you can reach out to for support.
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Togetherall

24/7 online support for issues around mental health and wellbeing.
smartphone

Spectrum Life

Our partner organisation Spectrum Life can offer you online, text and telephone support from qualified counsellors and mental health professionals 24/7.
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Specialist Wellbeing Support

Student Support and Wellbeing have specialist staff providing practical support and advice to students who have experienced sexual violence, stalking, hate incidents, discrimination and more.
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Counselling

Students at Kent can access a free confidential counselling service at any time during their studies.
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Addiction

Addiction and substance (mis)use is a complex issue that can affect anyone. Find out how to get support for yourself or if you are worried about a friend or housemate.
heart-pulse

Self-help resources

A compiled list of resources, including charities and external providers where you can reach out to for support.
laptop

Togetherall

24/7 online support for issues around mental health and wellbeing.
smartphone

Spectrum Life

Our partner organisation Spectrum Life can offer you online, text and telephone support from qualified counsellors and mental health professionals 24/7.
users2

Specialist Wellbeing Support

Student Support and Wellbeing have specialist staff providing practical support and advice to students who have experienced sexual violence, stalking, hate incidents, discrimination and more.
bubbles

Counselling

Students at Kent can access a free confidential counselling service at any time during their studies.
cloud-lightning

Addiction

Addiction and substance (mis)use is a complex issue that can affect anyone. Find out how to get support for yourself or if you are worried about a friend or housemate.
My Mental Health Adviser has helped me deal with and ride out the ups and downs in my mental health.
David, Mathematics.

Enhance your wellbeing

Here are things you can do to enhance your wellbeing at Kent, connecting with yourself and others.

Get the support you need

One to one and peer support groups, regular mindfulness sessions and in person and online mental health support.    

Societies and groups

There are student-led groups to suit everyone, so join in and discover new hobbies and meet new people.    

Wellbeing Advisory Board

Wellbeing Student Advisory Board is a collaboration between Kent Union and the University, aiming to improve student wellbeing. It includes 20 students from diverse courses & backgrounds.

Spirituality and Worship

Join different faith groups for regular pizza nights, day trips and weekly prayer and spirituality groups.    

SSW Clubs & Extra Support

Student Support run a range of clubs including Social Running for ADHD, Autism Model Making Club, and much more!

Full details can be found on our Events Calendar below.

Events to support your wellbeing

Get In Touch!

We welcome your views on Student Support and Wellbeing services any time.

Use our simple online feedback form to share your experiences so we can continually improve the support we offer students at Kent. The form is anonymous, however if you would like to provide named feedback please email headofssw@kent.ac.uk. 

You can get in touch with Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) to find out more about our services and to book an appointment.

Follow Student Support and Wellbeing @UniKentSSW on Instagram for more wellbeing tips and resources.


Contact details
Register with SSW

Meet our Student Support and Wellbeing Team

SSW have reception teams on the Canterbury and Medway campuses. 

Contact us, or find out more about our staff.   

Meet Our Team

Supporting your health

Register with a doctor

It's important to register with a local GP while you are at university so you can access health services. Find out about doctors on or near our campuses.

Support with long-term health conditions

Find out how Student Support and Wellbeing can help support you if you have a chronic illness.

Getting active

Try out a new sport, exercise class, activity or just go for a walk to explore the local area.

Winter Health

Winter vaccinations and winter health - looking after yourself

We are now in the season of winter viruses such as flu and we wanted to take this opportunity to remind you to look after yourselves. Flu and colds can spread quickly on a University campus and for most of us it will be a minor illness and what you will need is plenty of fluid and lots of rest.
 
Fran Rintoul (Lead Nurse) from University Nursing Services has provided some hints and tips in trying to keep yourself well
  • Hand washing is key- keep on washing your hands thoroughly especially after using toilets or being in groups of people.
  • Look after your diet- a balanced healthy diet will help you fight off infections, lots of vegetables, fruit, fish and hot meals in these winter months makes a huge difference.
  • Have a self-care kit at home- have your own first aid kit containing simple pain killers such as Ibuprofen, paracetamol, lozenges, honey and lemon to add to hot water - good for coughs.
  • Stay at home if you are unwell- this will help reduce the spread of the flu virus. If you are missing a teaching or assessment please see the engagement pages on how to record an absence.
  • Appropriate use of NHS services- most of us can care for ourselves when we have flu, however Nursing service is available for assessment if symptoms are concerning. 
In some cases vaccination is recommended, the NHS recommends flu vaccination for key groups and if you are in one of these groups or you are a carer of someone in a key group you should contact your GP Surgery
  • pregnant women 
  • all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025 
  • children with certain long-term health conditions (aged 6 months to less than 18 years) 
  • primary school aged children (from reception to Year 6) 
  • secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11) 
  • all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to under 18 years 
  • everyone aged 65 years and over 
  • individuals aged 18 to under 65 with certain long-term health conditions 
  • care home residents 
  • carers in receipt of carer's allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person 
  • those living with people who are immunocompromised 
  • frontline health and social care workers 
More information on Health and Wellbeing can be found on SSW pages here and the NHS also produces this guide on winter vaccinations and winter health