Everyone's experiences, identities and circumstances are unique.
When seeking support, some people may feel most comfortable accessing University services, whilst others may prefer to engage with specialist organisations that have particular expertise in supporting people from specific communities or backgrounds.
There is no "right" way to seek support.
What matters is that you can access support that feels safe, appropriate and meaningful for you.
Our Commitment
The University of Wolverhampton is committed to providing support that is:
- person-centred;
- trauma-informed;
- compassionate;
- inclusive;
- respectful;
- accessible.
Our staff strive to:
- meet people where they are;
- listen without judgement;
- recognise individual experiences;
- understand the impact of trauma;
- support informed decision-making;
- empower individuals to make choices about their support.
We recognise that seeking help can sometimes feel difficult, and we are committed to creating environments where people feel heard, respected and supported.
Why Choice Matters
People may prefer to access support from services that they feel have a particular understanding of their:
- culture;
- ethnicity;
- faith;
- nationality;
- language;
- disability;
- gender identity;
- sexual orientation;
- lived experiences;
- experiences of discrimination or marginalisation.
For some individuals, specialist organisations may feel more familiar, more accessible or better equipped to understand specific experiences.
Choice is an important part of empowering people to access support in a way that works for them.
Cultural Competence and Cultural Humility
Support services should seek to understand the diverse experiences of the people they support.
At the University, we recognise that no individual or service can be an expert in every lived experience.
This is why we seek to approach support with:
Curiosity
Listening and seeking to understand.
Respect
Recognising that individuals are experts in their own experiences.
Reflection
Being willing to learn and improve.
Cultural Humility
Acknowledging that understanding is an ongoing process rather than a destination.
Specialist and Community-Based Support
Some people may wish to access support from organisations that specialise in supporting particular communities.
Examples may include organisations supporting:
- Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities;
- refugees and asylum seekers;
- LGBTQ+ communities;
- faith communities;
- disabled people;
- survivors of abuse or violence;
- men affected by abuse;
- women affected by abuse;
- international students;
- victims of hate crime.
The University signposts to a range of specialist services and supports individuals to make informed choices about the support they access.
You Do Not Have to Choose One or the Other
Accessing specialist external support does not prevent you from accessing University support.
Many people benefit from a combination of:
- University services;
- specialist charities;
- community organisations;
- faith-based support;
- healthcare services;
- peer support networks.
Support can be tailored to your individual needs.
If You Are Supporting Someone Else
If you are supporting a friend, colleague or student, remember that:
- different people will have different preferences;
- avoid making assumptions about what support someone needs;
- ask what would be most helpful;
- respect their choices where possible;
- encourage access to support without imposing solutions.
Supporting someone often begins with listening.
A Trauma-Informed Approach
Being trauma-informed means recognising that experiences of trauma, discrimination, exclusion, abuse or adversity can affect how people engage with support.
A trauma-informed approach seeks to:
- create safety;
- build trust;
- offer choice;
- promote collaboration;
- recognise strengths;
- avoid re-traumatisation.
These principles underpin the University's approach to supporting students and staff.
Remember
There is no single pathway to support.
Some people will choose University services.
Some people will choose specialist external organisations.
Many people will use both.
What matters most is that you feel able to access support that respects your experiences, values your identity and helps you move forward in a way that feels right for you.