Beirut explosion

We are all deeply saddened by the explosions that took place in Beirut on August 4th and would like to extend our deepest condolences, solidarity, and sympathy to our Lebanese community. The disaster has left the city centre destroyed and hundreds of thousands of people are injured, dead, missing or homeless.

Here at King’s we celebrate our diverse international community of students, staff, and alumni - many of whom will have been directly or indirectly affected by the recent tragedy and our deepest condolences are with everyone and their families, especially given the extraordinary times in which we are currently living. Like many countries in the world, Lebanon is witnessing the dramatic impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic, putting further pressures on the country’s infrastructure.

Although we do not yet know the full details, it is at times like this that we can be a real source of support to each other in times of fear and loss in all parts of the world and it is crucial to support everyone regardless of their background, nationality or faith. At King's we offer the following services:

• All KCLSU student officers are always available to support our students, as well personal tutors – please do get in contact. • King’s Chaplains are available for all faiths and none, for informal discussions by contacting Chaplaincy@kcl.ac.uk . • Our student counselling service also offers free and confidential support to all King’s students • Togetherall is an online community for anyone looking for peer-to-peer support if experiencing mental health issues as well as access to trained counsellors and online support courses. • Our confidential Employee Assistance Programme is available 24/7 by phone or email for any staff member in need of support. • Visit the KCL Lebanese Society's Instagram page for more information on supporting and standing with those living in Lebanon and those affected.

Our thoughts are with the families in Lebanon and those who have been impacted by this incident. With best wishes, Professor Edward Byrne President & Principal Professor 'Funmi Olonisakin Vice President & Vice-Principal, International Salma Hussain KCLSU President Niall Berry KCLSU VP Activities & Development Vatsav Soni KCLSU VP Education (Arts & Sciences) Aless Gibson KCLSU VP Education (Health) Heena Ramchandani KCLSU VP Postgraduate Tasnia Yasmin KCLSU VP Welfare & Community KCL Lebanese Society