The event will take place Monday 1 December 12.30pm-1.30pm at Edward Herbert Building, EHB002, and online via Microsoft Teams and is open to all staff and students. You’re welcome to bring your lunch. Please note that in-person spaces are limited. If you book on, please commit to attending.
Book your place for the Voices and Diversity event.
Throughout 2025, the Voices of Diversity series has highlighted lived experiences and allyship through open conversations. This session will explore what it means to live with hidden disabilities and mental health conditions, and how we can all foster a more inclusive and supportive environment at Loughborough University.
Key questions include:
- what are hidden disabilities, and how do they affect people in learning and workplace settings?
- how can we be effective allies to those whose disabilities may not be immediately visible?
- what does meaningful support look like in practice?
Hidden disabilities include a wide range of conditions such as chronic pain, neurodivergence, endometriosis, mental health conditions, fatigue-related conditions, and sensory impairments. These experiences can shape how individuals navigate daily life, often without others realising.
The Voices of Diversity sessions are spaces for listening and learning but not for providing expert advice or clinical support. If you feel you may benefit from professional mental health or wellbeing support, the following services may be able to provide you further support:
Support for students
- Student Services (Email: studentwellbeing@lboro.ac.uk, Tel: 01509 222765) offers a range of support, including mental health and wellbeing, and advice specifically for international students. One-to-one support with an advisor is also available. If you would like to access this support, please complete the online referral form.
- The University Chaplaincy (Email: chaplaincy@lboro.ac.uk, Tel: 01509 223741) offers a space for quiet reflection. University Chaplains are here to listen, to care and to help all staff and students. No appointment is necessary.
- If you feel your studies are being affected, you can contact your Academic School and/or Personal Tutors so that we can provide the right support to you. If you wish, you can also submit an individual Mitigating Circumstances claim to explain how you have been impacted by recent events. More information on this can be found in the Student Handbook.
Support for staff
- Colleagues can access emotional support through our Employee Assistance Programme. Please note this service is also available for your immediate family members (eg spouses/partners, and children aged 16-24 in full time education, living in the same household).
- The University Chaplaincy (Email: chaplaincy@lboro.ac.uk, Tel: 01509 223741) offers a space for quiet reflection. University Chaplains are here to listen, to care and to help all staff and students. No appointment is necessary.
- Should you need some time away, we would like to draw attention to our compassionate leave arrangements, including our specific policy related to race-based stress.
If you have any questions about this or other Voices of Diversity events, please contact the EDI Services team edi@lboro.ac.uk.