INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS SUPPORT
This can be a stressful time, particularly if you’re an international student and haven't been in the UK very long. Below are some resources for students who aren't originally from the UK.
MDX International Advice Service
MDX International students can still contact the team with general enquiries by email: intadvice@mdx.ac.uk. You can also raise a query online. For urgent matters, please call the team on 020 84114507 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, Skype appointments can also be given upon request.
UK Council for International Student Affairs
A useful online resource which provides information on a range of topics (from visas, immigration, healthcare and employment) and also highlights areas/questions we don’t yet know the answer to. Click here to find out more.
Middlesex University's regional officers
A list of MDX University international offices that can offer support to students starting in October or current students who are abroad right now. Click here to find out more.
Shelter
An easy-to-understand guidance about housing and accommodation Click here to find out more.
How to ace an online interview
Advice and guidance on how you can ace an online job interview. Click here to find out more.
Collectivity & Community
An article and collection of resources written by MDXSU staff member, Bel Bale and MDXSU President, Anas Badar. Click here to find out more.
This can be a worrying time, particularly if you’re a disabled student. Below are some resources for students who self-define as disabled.
Change For Disabled Students
This is an online guide to coronavirus, which pulls together advice and support for disabled students in the UK. Click here to find out more.
SignHealth
SignHealth is committed to making sure coronavirus information is available in British Sign Language. Click here to find out more.
Disability Rights UK
Disability Rights UK have created a useful webpage with up-to-date information and links from the Government, covering areas such as housing, benefits, employment and social care. There's also a free helpline for disabled students. Click here to find out more.
Regard
Regard is a national charity aiming to support and provide guidance to LGBT+ people who identify as disabled. Click here to find out more.
British Deaf Association
Support and tips for students. Click here to find out more.
Ouch! The Cabin Fever Podcast
An online platform and podcast discussing a variety of disability topics; including interviews, life hacks and advice. Click here to find out more.
Disability Visibility
Online articles and podcasts with interviews and discussions across a variety of topics. Click here to find out more.
Women's Aid
Information and support for women and young people who have been affected by domestic abuse, with specific guidance and help (includes a quick exit from the website). Click here to find out more.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
A free 24-hour helpline run by Refuge for survivors of domestic abuse, including tips for survivors living with an abuser (includes a quick exit from the website). Click here to find out more.
Chayn
An intersectional, survivor-led, online resource for women who have experienced or are experiencing abuse, including support and toolkits in various languages such as English, Urdu and Italian (includes a quick exit from the website). Click here to find out more.
Gal-dem
An online publication sharing perspectives from women and non-binary people of colour. Click here to find out more.
2 Dope Queens
A live comedy podcast discussing an array of LGBT+ and BAME topics and issues. Click here to find out more.
The Guilty Feminist
An award-winning podcast discussing a variety of feminist topics. Click here to find out more.
Books That Matter
A monthly book subscription service providing you with books (and other treats) by female authors. Click here to find out more.
Looking after children can keep you busy at the best of times, but can be even harder if you're also completing a degree. Below are some resources for students who are studying whilst also looking after kids.
Free Kids Audiobooks
Comedian and UK's biggest-selling kids' author, David Walliams is making one audiobook a day available to stream via his website. Click here to start streaming.
Free meals for Kids
QOOT Group will offer a complimentary lunch to any child who would qualify for free school meals from the government amid the coronavirus crisis. Click here to claim your free meal.
Teen Tips
Live online talks for parents & teens to help you all through this challenging time. Click here to find out more.
#SaveWithStories
Celebrities reading stories through Instagram! A fun and educational way to whilst at home. Click here for more.
Young Minds
Tips, advice and where to get support for your child's mental health. Click here to find out more.
NHS Start4Life
Click here for advice and useful tips on how to keep yourself and your baby healthy during pregnancy.
Working Families
A helpful site addressing some important questions that new parents might have in regards to work, finances, unemployment and general health. Click here for more information.
Bananamoon Indoor Games
A great selection of fun, indoor activities to keep children occupied while at home. Click here to find out more.
Families Under Pressure
Positive, helpful advice and videos for those with parental responsibilities in quarantine. Click here to find out more.
Other resources
From dancing to coding; a variety of free and paid resources to keep kids entertained. Click here to find out more.
Resources and tips for balancing parenthood with studying and working from home. Click here to find out more.
Caring for someone close to you whilst studying can be incredibly hard. Below are some resources for students who are studying whilst also juggling caring responsibilities.
Mobilise
They're running a virtual cuppa for people with caring responsibilities, and have created a routine weekly planner with some tips. Click here to find out more.
The Mix
Has a variety of resources for young carers to use, as well as a crisis messenger if you need someone to talk to. Click here to find out more.
Yacbook
An online community and resource space led by young carers, including resources on how to look after yourself. Click here to find out more.
CarersUK
Resources which are updated regularly, in line with government advice. Click here to find out more.
Rethink Mental Illness
Information and resources for carers of those with severe mental illness. Click here to find out more.
Carers.org
A full list of resources and support for young carers, including specific signposting for carers of someone with a specific condition. Click here to find out more.
BGS
Information for older people who are currently self-isolating or shielding, and advice for family, friends and unpaid carers to help support them. Click here for more information.
LGBT+ students can often face additional barriers within society, but these can be heightened during a global health crisis. For some LGBT+ people, there are higher risks of homelessness, hate crime or insecure employment. With that in mind, we’ve put together resources for LGBT+ students at Middlesex University
Albert Kennedy Trust
The LGBT + homeless charity is still operating a support service for students who are homeless and has pulled together a variety of resources for LGBT+ people – from social media accounts to follow, entertainment to watch and guidance to read. Click here to find out more.
The Unplug Collective
Going back to an unwelcoming environment? The Unplug Collective provides coping mechanisms if you’re LGBT+ and moving back home with family who aren’t supportive. Click here for more.
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Need to talk to someone about your wellbeing or mental health? Get in touch with Switchboard via phone at 0300 330 0630, open a live chat here on their website or email them at chris@switchboard.lgbt
Galop
Galop provides help for LGBT+ victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and hate crime. Please note, due to the coronavirus Galop is offering a reduced service. Click here for more info.
Mind
Those of us who identify as LGBTIQ+ are more likely to experience a mental health problem than the wider population. That's why Mind provides mental health needs for the LGBTIQ+ community. Click here to find out more.
MindOut
If you are feeling stressed, isolated and uncertain because you are not alone, MindOut LGBTQ online support workers are available every day. Get in touch with them here.
Intercom Trust
Intercom Trust is a lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans+ charity working across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and the wider South West, providing advocacy and mental health support. Click here to find out more.
LGBT Foundation
LGBT Foundation is a national charity delivering advice, support and information services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities. Click here to find out more.
Terrance Higgins Trust
Get guidance on protecting your sexual health. Click here to get advice.
LGBT Health
LGBT Health works to improve the health, wellbeing and equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Scotland. Click here to find out more.
Queer House Party
Streaming online every Friday, tune in to dance, sing and chat with like-minded LGBT+ people from across the world. Click here to find out more.
OutLife
OutLife is a charity that offers support and resources to LGBT+ people and is currently running a variety of online events - from lunchtime yoga, to dance classes and Netflix Parties. Click here to find out more.
Trans* students who may need more support can check out the list of resources below
Trans Resilience in Isolation
A complete guide on how to build resilience whilst in isolation. Click here to view the guide.
Gender Intelligence
Gendered Intelligence runs a range of youth groups in London, Leeds and Bristol for young trans people, non-binary and questioning young people aged under 21*, with a peer-led support group in London for those aged 18-30. Click here to find out more.
Mermaids
Access resources and support for trans* people and their families. Click here to find out more. (includes a quick exit from the website)
Transgender Northern Ireland
Get safety and wellbeing tips for people who are binding. Click here to find out more.
What The Trans!?
A podcast catering to intersex, trans* and non-binary people who have set up a discord for chats, games and community building. Click here to find out more.
Being a healthcare worker poses challenges mentally and physically, especially in the current circumstances. Thank you for the incredible contributions you're making to help keep others safe and well. It is important to ensure that you are safe and well too, so check out these resources to keep up to date on NHS guidance on protection and find out how UNISON can support and advocate for you in your workplace
NHS Employers
Information from the NHS on how to keep yourself safe, mentally and physically, while working on the front line. Click here to find out more.
UNISON
Click here for a guide on how UNISON can support you at work.
Students at all levels are finding themselves in difficult situations where there is a lot of uncertainty. For post-grads, who have fewer contact hours, undergo more independent research and work to their own schedules, it can be easy to feel isolated in any situation, now more so than ever. Keeping up with information regarding your course of study, and having easy access to lots of different wellbeing resources is really important, so make sure you check in with your supervisors and have a look at the resources available to you.
MDX PGR Updates
Click here for updates from Middlesex University if you're a PGR student.
MDXSU is proud of its diverse student body and we do not condone any hate crime and abuse. If you experience or witness antisemitism or other intimidating and abusive environments, we encourage you to reach out and report it to us. Additionally, have a look at the resources available below:
CST
Community Security Trust (CST) is a charity that protects British Jews from antisemitism and related threats, as well as provides security advice and training for Jewish communal organisations, schools and synagogues. Click here to find out more.
UJS
Union of Jewish Students represents 9,000 Jewish students, spanning 69 Jewish Societies (JSocs) on campuses, leading, defending and enriching Jewish student life across the UK and Ireland. Click here for more.
Jami
Jami is the mental health service for the Jewish community, Click here for more info.
MDXSU is proud of its diverse student body and we do not condone any hate crime and abuse. If you experience or witness Islamophobia or other intimidating and abusive environments, we encourage you to reach out and report it to us. Additionally, have a look at the resources available below:
TellMAMA
Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks (MAMA) is a secure and reliable service that allows people from across England to report any form of Anti-Muslim abuse. Click here to find out more.
FOSIS
Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS), aims to foster a nurturing environment for Muslim students, through a journey of development, faith-inspired activism and advocacy. Click here for more info.
MYH
Muslim Youth Helpline (MYH) offers culturally sensitive support services for young Muslims in the UK who have nowhere to turn for support and often endure their problems in silence. Click here for more info.