Reports and coverage of ongoing events in the Middle East are hugely distressing, particularly so for those in our community who are directly affected and concerned for the safety and wellbeing of family members and friends at home. The situation is causing immeasurable suffering and loss, and it is our collective hope that all parties can find a path to reconciliation and harmony.
We stand together in solidarity with and offer our unwavering support to all staff and students who are impacted, distressed and concerned by these conflicts.
From Sunday 13 October, we will mark the Week of Prayer for World Peace, capturing different expressions of hope for peace at this time of suffering for so many.
The week will begin with prayers for peace at Catholic Mass on 13 October at 6pm in the Chapel (EHB.2.08). Staff and students are welcome to attend.
In the following days, the University Chaplaincy, students’ faith societies and representatives from some hall committees will offer prayers and thoughts for peace from Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh perspectives, as well as offering some words which are non-faith based. Prayers and reflections on the theme of peace will be shared by different faith traditions in their student meetings and through social media.
For more information on this programme, please contact chaplaincy@lboro.ac.uk
There will be further opportunities for staff and students to come together as a university community standing for peace. The University will communicate dates and details of these events later this month.
For anyone needing support at this time:
The University Chaplains offer a confidential listening service to all staff and students, regardless of faith, identity or beliefs. To speak to a chaplain, please call 01509 223741, between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, or email chaplaincy@lboro.ac.uk
The Chaplaincy facility on the first floor of EHB also offers spaces for reflection including a Chapel, Muslim Prayer Rooms and a Quiet Room, which is available to people of all faiths and non.
Additional support for students:
Student Services (Email: studentservices@lboro.ac.uk, Tel: 01509 222765) offer a range of support, including mental health and wellbeing, and advice specifically for international students. Support for London students is also available by emailing London-Welfare@lboro.ac.uk or calling 020 3805 1303/1351. â¶Ä¯
One-to-one support with an advisor is also available. If you would like to access this support, please complete the online referral form. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯
If you feel your studies are being affected, you can contact your Academic School or Personal Tutors so that we can provide the right support to you. If you wish, you can also submit an individual Mitigating Circumstances claim to explain how you have been impacted by recent events. More information on this can be found in the Student Handbook. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯
For members of staff:
Support is available through our Employee Assistance Programme, as well as our Mental Health First Aiders. â¶Ä¯
Should you need some time away, we would like to draw attention to our compassionate leave arrangements, including our specific policy related to those experiencing trauma as a result of a protected characteristic (eg race, or religion). 
°¿³Ü°ù Staff Networks  also exist to provide peer-to-peer connection and support. â¶Ä¯