Helping Us Support You During Serious Difficulties
When you enrol at the University, you will be invited to nominate a Trusted Contact. This could be:
- A parent;
- Partner;
- Relative;
- Guardian;
- Friend;
- Carer;
- Another adult you trust.
You are free to choose whoever feels right for you. The University deliberately uses the term Trusted Contact because we recognise that the person you trust most may not be your next of kin or a family member.
Why Does the University Ask for a Trusted Contact?
Most students complete their studies without the University ever needing to contact their Trusted Contact.
However, there may be rare occasions when the University becomes seriously concerned about a student's safety, well-being, or welfare.
Having a Trusted Contact means there is someone outside the University who may be able to:
- Help keep you safe.
- Support you during a crisis;
- Assist us in locating you if we are concerned about your welfare.
- Help you access support when you need it most.
Will You Contact Them Automatically?
No.
The University will not routinely contact your Trusted Contact.
In almost all situations, we will seek to speak with you first and discuss whether involving your Trusted Contact would be helpful.
The starting point is always:
- Student autonomy;
- Student involvement;
- Student consent.
When Might My Trusted Contact Be Contacted?
Examples may include:
- Serious concerns about your safety;
- Significant mental health crisis;
- Suicide risk;
- Serious self-harm concerns;
- Emergency hospitalisation;
- Situations where we cannot contact you and have concerns about your welfare;
- Significant safeguarding concerns.
These situations are rare.
Can I Change My Trusted Contact?
Yes.
You can update your Trusted Contact at any time.
The University encourages students to ensure this information remains current.