Supporting You
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) support
The Duty Assessment and Inclusivity (DAI) Team are proud that students and staff at Loughborough University have a range of backgrounds and come from a variety of countries. We are focused on welcoming all Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME*) students to the Loughborough University Community and support inclusivity.
*The DAI team recognise the problematic terminology of the term ‘BAME’ and understand it should never replace the immense diversity and distinct ethic identities of each individual. The term Racialised Minority will be used in this webpage to reflect this.
The Duty, Assessment and Inclusivity Team recognises a range of issues can cause a variety of emotional responses for racialised minority students. These issues could be:
- Race based stress
- Race based trauma
- Systemic / institutional racism
- Microaggressions
- Unequal systems/ processes
- Global events
- Protests, Movements and Activism
- Oppression and Discrimination
- Under representation of Ethnic Minorities
- Bias in the media
- Alienation and Isolation
- Social Media Posts
- News Coverage
These feelings can impact on your day to day experiences, emotional wellbeing and access to academic studies.
The DAI team are committed to opening the conversation of the impact of these issues on individuals and striving towards an inclusive future for all.
The COVID-19 situation has increased difficulties for many, including disproportionately impacting International students who are studying in Loughborough.
Support Available from the Duty, Assessment and Inclusivity Team
The support below is available from the DAI team for racialised minority students:
a) 1:1 Support Appointment. Aimed at students who identify a specific issue and require short term intervention with an advisor.
b) BAME Support Group. Runs the second Wednesday of every month on MS teams. The mutual support group is a safe space to share, listen and learn about each others experiences.
c) Peer Support Group for students Impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 circumstances in India. Running Wednesday’s afternoon until 9th June 2021.
d) Support for International Students impacted by the COVID-19 circumstances.
Please submit the referral form and a member of the DAI team will contact you.
If your concern relates to safeguarding, hate crime, domestic abuse (including honour based violence) , sexual violence, mental health and wellbeing, stalking , substance misuse or bullying and harassment. Report confidentially through the Incident Reporting Portal
For information about the Disability Support, Wellbeing Advisors, Mental Health Support Team and Counselling visit the Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity webpage.
Information for International Students
Student Advice and Support Service (SASS) provide free, confidential and impartial advice on many matters related to your time at university. They offer advice to International Students, including advice regarding accommodation and finances for students impacted by COVID-19 travel restrictions. To book an appointment click here.
Career Information
- Loughborough University Careers Service. Support for BAME students. Click here.
- University Success Coaches. Email successcoaches@lboro.ac.uk to express interests.
- Inclusive companies https://www.inclusivecompanies.co.uk/how-can-organisations-support-better-progression-for-bame-employees/
Get Involved
- Loughborough Student Union Welfare and Diversity.
- Join a Society
External Support
- The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network - has collated a directory of services available throughout the UK which offer free counselling specifically set up to service the BME community
- Black Minds Matter mission is to connect Black individuals and families with free mental health services — by professional Black therapists to support their mental health.
- Black Mental Health Matters. An Instagram account promoting mental health issues for Black individuals.
- Young Minds writes an article about how racism is damaging to mental health.
- Vanclaron. Based in Nottingham. Empowering individuals from Racialised Minority community to live well and take control of their wellbeing.
- Richmond Fellowship Live Link offer a ‘BAME Support Group Every Wednesday 2-3 pm and additional student and mental health groups.
- Black, African, Asian Therapy Network. Home of the largest network of counsellors and psycotherapists of Black, African, Asian and Caribbean heritage in the UK
- Student Minds provide support for students who have been most impacted by the pandemic on Student Space. Including support for Black students, Muslim students and Punjabi students.
- Samaritans . Students can call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org for 24/7 support for those having a difficult time.
- Central Access Point. For Urgent Mental health support call 0116 2953060 or 0808 800 3302.
- Shout is a text based counselling service. Text 85258
- Staying Alive app (download here) provides a pocket suicide prevention resource with information and tools to help you stay safe in a crisis.
- Vita Health Group. In partnership with the NHS, Vita Health Group offer a range of short term psychological therapies (counselling and CBT therapy) to adults who are registered with a GP in Leicestershire.
Useful resources
- Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic attainment at Universities #Closing the gap. Click here
- Tackling racial harassment universities challenged. Click here
- The White Elephant in the room. Ideas for reducing racial inequalities in higher education. Click here to read the report.
- About the Race Equality Charter. Click Here.
- There are a number of resources (videos, articles, books) available online covering various aspects of race, racism and being anti-racist. Click Here
- Loughborough University’s Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Page. Click Here
- Key religious and awareness dates calendar. Click here
- Loughborough University News BAME support. Click Here