Update on actions and support related to the ongoing conflict in Palestine & Israel

After communicating with students and listening to their feedback, we have decided to update our statement regarding the conflict in Palestine, Israel, and the wider geographical area.   

For those who want to find out more about the conflict, here are a couple of links that we believe provide a balanced and detailed overview of the situation: Israeli-Palestinian Conflict | Global Conflict Tracker (cfr.org), United Nations 

We strongly condemn all forms of violence and are heartbroken by the impact it has on families, individuals, and members of our University community.   

Our foremost priority is to stand with and support those students who are impacted. We are deeply sorry for what you are going through, and we want you to know that we are here for you, every step of the way.   

In previous statements and updates, we have highlighted sources of help and support for students. We are resharing and updating this information to ensure that you are aware of the support that is available if you need it:   

• University Student Support is available every day of the year. A temporary helpdesk is available in 1 West due to refurbishment works in 4 West. You can also contact Student Support via email studentsupport@bath.ac.uk,  

• The “Be Well - Talk Now” service provides free, confidential advice and support by phone, video call or live chat from anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. From within the UK, please call 0808 196 8046. From outside the UK, please call +44 3 307771499, or visit webpages for more information and the live chat link,  

• Impartial and confidential help is also available from The SU’s Advice and Support Centre, particularly if you are unsure of who to contact, or need to submit Individual Mitigating Circumstances relating to the impact of the conflict,  

• The Chaplaincy staff are happy to talk with anyone who has been affected, in total confidence. Please email chaplaincy@bath.ac.uk or Nigel Rawlinson at nr472@bath.ac.uk ,  

• If you have experienced harassment, bullying, or discrimination within the University community you can report through Support and Report and can do so anonymously if you wish,  

• If you wish to seek support related to an incidence of hate crime which has occurred in Bath outside of the University community there are support agencies who can help you.  

Alongside our continuing conversations with our student groups, we'd like to reach out to all students affected, whether you’re a member of a Student Group or not, you are part of our SU community and we want to ensure that all students feel that they can approach The SU at this time.    

We are therefore keen to hear suggestions of anything else you'd like to see from us to facilitate this. Please contact Jiji, SU President at supresident@bath.ac.uk with your thoughts.  

Finally, as we prepare for the new academic year, we are exploring how we can create safe spaces for students to come together, whether to talk, reflect, or simply be in each other’s company. If you have any suggestions as to what this space should look like, we welcome your input.   

Sincerely, The SU Officers.