Updated on Thursday 9 February 2023 (first published Monday 6 February 2023).
A message from The Dean, Reverend Dr Ellen Clark-King
We have watched with dismay the news about the catastrophic earthquakes in southern Turkey and northern Syria and the distress, loss of life and homelessness that these have caused. Our thoughts are with all our students, staff and alumni from Turkey and Syria and those of you with family and friends affected by this disaster. We feel for your anxiety and distress and are holding you in our hearts. We are also thinking of all members of our community from countries and regions who have been impacted by the shockwaves from the earthquakes.
If you have been affected by this disaster, please know that there are a number of ways in which King’s can offer support:
How we are supporting students
Our Faculty Wellbeing and Welfare Advisors are contacting students with nationality and registered domicile of Turkey and Syria to offer support and will connect with faculty colleagues where students respond identifying specific needs.
Support for students and staff
The King’s community can be a real source of comfort and strength to one another in times of fear and loss and we are committed to fostering a culture in which we support everyone of all backgrounds, nationalities and faiths.
Counselling support is also available to our students. Students can speak to the King’s Counselling & Mental Health Support Service which offers free and confidential in-person and online support as well as King’s Counselling Online service. Students may also like to connect with their peers through KCLSU.
Our staff may want to talk to a trusted colleague or manager, and our independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) can be contacted by phone or email.
Our Chaplains are available to students and staff for informal and confidential discussions and can be contacted at chaplaincy@kcl.ac.uk.
Agencies offering aid
Some of you have expressed concern and asked what you can do to support the communities affected by the devastating earthquakes. If you feel moved, and are able, to offer financial help to people in the affected regions, donations can be made through the recommended agencies listed at the end of this message. We will continue to offer more opportunities for giving as they become available.
Travel advice
If you are planning to travel overseas or are returning to the UK, please check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website and follow the guidance in place for the country you are travelling to and from. Please make sure you follow the university guidance for business or study travel.
Again, let me say that our students and staff affected by this disaster are on our minds and in our hearts during this difficult time. Please do reach out to one another and to the wider community for care and support.
List of recommended agencies offering aid
Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched a UK appeal on behalf of 15 leading UK aid charities. These include Oxfam, Save the Children UK, Age International, British Red Cross, Cafod, Christian Aid and Islamic Relief.
The following agencies have been recommended to us by the Turkish Embassy in London
The King’s Volunteering team, work with just over 100 different community organisations and charities. The following are partners who have launched appeals: