What to expect from our services
Asking for support or coming for help is a big step, and we know you may be worried about what to expect.
Firstly, we would like to assure you that we aim to create a supportive, safe and judgement-free environment where you can talk openly and be heard.
There are two ways you can access help from the Student Welfare team, by appointment or drop-in.
Appointments
To book an appointment, you can email us at studentwelfare@reading.ac.uk and ask to arrange an appointment with one of the Welfare Officers. Appointments can be in person, or by video or telephone call.
Drop-in
We offer a drop-in service where you can come along and speak to someone in person.
This is available in the Carrington building, where you can go to the front desk reception and ask to speak to the Welfare Team. You can drop in:
- Monday – Friday between 13:00 -16:00
If you’re not based at the Whiteknights campus and it’s not convenient to drop in, you can call 0118 378 4777 Monday – Friday between 10:00 and 16:00 to speak a member of the team and arrange an appointment if needed.
What happens at a drop-in/ appointment?
Both the drop-in and in-person appointments take place in the Carrington Building (unless other meet up arrangements have been made).
If you have a pre-booked appointment via video call you will be sent an invite with the link to the call. This will take place on Microsoft Teams. You will need to join via the Teams link at the start of the appointment.
If you have a pre-booked telephone appointment, we will call you at the expected time.
Please try to be on time for your appointment and if you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment for any reason, please email studentwelfare@reading.ac.uk.
During the appointment:
A member of the team will speak to you to understand your situation and consider the help and support you might need.
This could be giving you advice and information, sign posting you to specialist support or advice services, or simply talking things through with you, looking at what practical assistance is needed and helping you to come up with a plan of action.
We will not make assumptions about what you want to do, we will only advise on your options and work with you to find the right support for you.
After your appointment:
If you first made contact with the team coming to our Drop in and in talking through your situation it presents that it would be helpful for you to have a follow up appointment, the Duty Welfare officer will ensure that you are connected to your Schools Welfare Officer for further ongoing support.
If you have had an initial appointment with your School Welfare Officer you will decide together what ongoing support you might want and need in terms of further contacts.