Support services available for those affected by the incident in Sri Lanka

We are deeply saddened to hear about the incident in Sri Lanka on Sunday (21 April) and would like to offer our condolences and support to all those affected.  We understand that incidents like this can be distressing for students, whether you have been affected directly or it has impacted upon your friends and family.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the support services available to you at the University. The services are open to all of our students, new and returning, including those currently located outside of the UK.  

Up to date information about the continuing state of events in Sri Lanka is available on the BBC News website.  

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka, due to the current evolving security situation following attacks on 21 April 2019, up to date information can be found on The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website.

University Support Services

The University provides a number of student support services:

• If you have been affected by the incident in any way you can contact your Wellbeing Officers in your School/College.
• You can visit the Mental Health and Wellbeing services intranet page for information on the support available to you.  
• You can contact the International Students’ Advisory Service by telephoning +44(0)121 414 8464 or visiting the International Students' Advisory Service website.
• You can contact the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy where you can speak confidentially to a chaplain, find some quiet space to reflect and ask for prayers. Telephone 0121 414 7000/7001 or visit the Chaplaincy website.
• You can contact Guild Advice at the Guild of Students. Telephone +44(0)121 415 8965 or email guildadvice@guild.bham.ac.uk.
• You can look through the University’s Self Help Guides.

Alternative Support

You can also access support from the following:

• Your GP - if you have not yet registered for a GP you can find your closest practice on NHS Choices.
• Samaritans - 116 123 (free-to-call and confidential number).
• Students travelling for personal purposes should refer to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) web pages for information.
• If you wish to contact your Embassy, see Diplomatic Posts (your embassy) in the UK.