How can the Welfare Advisers help me?

King's Welfare Advisers offer confidential, practical support to King’s students who may be facing complex personal challenges that impact their safety, wellbeing or ability to engage with university life.

Whether you’re experiencing difficulties related to crime, harassment, abusive relationships or any other sensitive issues, we’re here to listen, support and advise, so you can navigate the next steps.

Our aim is to empower you to take control of your situation while ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout your time at King’s. We work closely with other specialist services across the university to make sure you receive the most appropriate help for your needs.

We are not a counselling service, but we can guide you through practical processes and connect you with emotional support services when needed.

Get support from the Welfare Team

You can contact the Welfare Team directly using the Welfare Self-Referral Form. This is the quickest and easiest way to reach us.

Alternatively, staff or fellow students can refer you via the Enhanced Support Pathway if they’re worried about your wellbeing.

We aim to respond to all initial enquiries within five working days. During busy periods, this may take longer, but we prioritise cases based on urgency and complexity.

If your situation would be better supported by another team, we’ll help you connect with the right service - whether that’s Counselling & Mental Health, Disability Support & Inclusion, Money & Housing Advice, Wellbeing or external specialist organisations.

Enhanced Support Pathway

Sometimes, a staff member might notice you're going through a difficult time and want to make sure you get the help you need. They can use a process called the Enhanced Support Pathway to let our Welfare Team know.

This is mostly used by staff, but students can use it too to if they're worried about another student.

Student Services Online – I have a serious concern and want help for myself or a peer.

What we can help with

We understand that university life can be unpredictable and sometimes complex. Our team is here to support you through a wide range of issues, including:

• problems in a relationship
• experiences of harassment or discrimination
• sexual violence or abuse
• family difficulties
• homelessness or unsafe accommodation
• being affected by crime
• complex situations affecting your studies.

If you’re unsure whether the Welfare Team is the right place to start, you can also speak with your Faculty Wellbeing Adviser. They can help you explore your options and guide you through processes like mitigating circumstances.

Support for Domestic and Sexual Violence

If you have witnessed or experienced sexual violence or domestic abuse, either in the past or while at King’s, you are not alone and support is available. Our Specialist Domestic & Sexual Violence Adviser can provide confidential, non-judgemental support to any student affected by sexual violence or abuse.

We can help with risk assessments, safety planning and advocacy within the university and with external services. We will talk through your options with you and support you in deciding what feels right.

For more information see our guidance: Where can I get support and resources for sexual violence?

King’s is committed to a zero-tolerance approach to sexual misconduct and violence. We recognise that anyone, regardless of identity, can be affected by these issues, and we are here to support you at every step.

What to expect

The advice and support we offer is tailored to meet your individual needs and circumstances.

You can expect to:

• be treated with kindness, respect, and confidentiality
• be signposted to further support where appropriate
• be supported in navigating university processes that may be affected by your circumstances in a non-judgemental approach
• be offered accurate advice.

We ask that you:

• reach out as soon as you feel you need support
• attend appointments promptly or let us know if you need to reschedule
• share relevant information to help us support and advise you effectively.