Support for students and staff affected by the crisis in the Middle East

As the scale of conflict in the Middle East escalates into a growing humanitarian crisis, our University community feels deeply for those suffering across the region.   We share in the hope for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution.  

Closer to home, many people also feel fearful of the rise in both antisemitism and Islamophobia. At York St John, we truly value our inclusive community. Whether online or in person, it is essential that we all conduct ourselves in a way that reflects mutual respect and supports a positive and inclusive environment for everyone.  

This conflict is painful and difficult for many of us. Support is available to anyone who is distressed or affected by the ongoing situation. 

Support

If anyone wishes to speak to a Faith Adviser or Chaplain (Muslim, Jewish or Christian), please contact chaplaincy@yorksj.ac.uk. 

Spectrum.Life offers a free, confidential counselling and wellbeing support service to all students 24/7/365.  You can access the service directly on Freephone 08000 318 227 or UK WhatsApp/SMS: Text ‘Hi’ to 07418 360 780 

Students can access free mental health and counselling support from the Wellbeing team. You can self-refer for an appointment, or you can visit our drop-in sessions to speak confidentially with a practitioner.  

Our Wellbeing Drop-In sessions take place Monday to Friday from 1.00pm to 3.00pm at the Holgate Information Services Desk on our York Campus. 

Any colleagues affected can speak to their line manager or access support though our Employee Assistance Programme (hosted on our intranet) which is available 24/7. 

If you are worried about family and friends in the region, we recommend getting in contact with the British Embassy in Israel, the Palestine Mission to the UK, the Embassy of Lebanon in London, or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for more information and updates. 

There are a number of charities providing urgent and much needed humanitarian relief including: 

The British Red Cross 

Save the Children 

Respectful language  

It is hard to find words in response to the violence and loss of life in the Middle East. While we share our deep sympathy with those affected by the conflict, please remember that words can hurt, sometimes in ways we can't imagine for ourselves. Respecting the dignity of students, staff, and the broader community is not optional, it is an integral part of university life.  

Please continue to be kind, be mindful of the views of others and use respectful language.   

Additional support on reporting antisemitism and Islamophobia  

If you do experience antisemitism or Islamophobia at York St John University, please use our Report and Support platform to tell someone either anonymously, or with contact details.   

The Community Security Trust (CST) has published resources on their social media feeds, including guidance on how to communicate about Israel in a non-antisemitic way. CST also has a national emergency number which can be used to report antisemitic attacks: 0800 032 3263.   

Tell Mama is a confidential support service for those suffering from anti-Muslim hate and discrimination across the UK. Their website features a number of different ways to report anti-Muslim incidents, including via phone or WhatsApp.   

We ask that all of our community continue to show compassion and kindness for one another and encourage anyone who has been impacted to reach out for support.