What emotional support is there available in Downing?

First of all, Downing is a really friendly place and, hopefully, time spent here is happy and an enjoyable experience, but we all get to that point of emotional stress and, whatever the problem, there is someone here to help you out.

Welfare Officers:

Whether you’re struggling with exam pressure, need some advice about a relationship problem, feel homesick of alone, or just want a friendly face to talk to, the Welfare Officers are here to help. There are two Welfare and Equal Opportunities Officers on the JCR Committee (one for women, one for men), who are easily contactable throughout the term. You can email them with a question or to arrange to meet up, or you can call in at one of their drop-in sessions for a chat and a cup of tea. The Welfare Officers can also provide services, such as contraception, pregnancy tests, sexual health testing and personal alarms, which can all be requested via email and anonymously delivered.

The Welfare Officers also run events throughout the year – from freshers’ week right up until exam term – to help make Downing a happier place to live. Past events have included: doughtnut days outside the library to keep spirits high during revision, sports, film nights, yoga and self-defence classes!

Ethnic Minorities, LGBT and International Support

The Welfare Officers head the Welfare team, which consists of three officers who represent the Ethnic Minorities, LGBT (Lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender) and International communities. They run social events throughout the year and are easily contactable via the email links on the JCR webpage.

Listening Ear

The listening ear facility is a confidential tool on the JCR website. If you have a worry or a question and need to talk, the ‘listening ear’ will directly contact welfare support.

Personal Tutor

Each student has a personal tutor assigned to them, who is not related to their subject in any way. You have to see your tutor at the beginning and end of each term, but they are also there to provide welfare support, including help with financial information, such as bursaries and grants. If you have any issues with your course or with college, your Personal Tutor can also offer help.

Director of Studies

Your Director of Studies is there to guide you through your study here at Downing, but if you have any worries about the course or are struggling with any aspects, get in touch with them and they’re sure to be able to help you through it.

The College Nurse

Sally is the college nurse, who runs a drop in session every day, for any physical or emotional problems you might encounter whilst at Downing. She’s very friendly and happy to offer any help she can.

The Chaplain

Keith is the college chaplain. As well as running the chapel services in college, he is also happy to support all students. He’s very approachable and can be contacted either via the website or by calling in to see him.

The Porters

The porters are in the lodge twenty-four hours a day, making sure that Downing is a safe place to be for all those who live there. The gate is locked about midnight, but can be opened by your room key at any time, so you always have access. The porters are always happy to help if you need directions, information or a new lightbulb!

Beyond Downing

If someone in Downing can’t help you, then they can definitely point you in the right direction! Cambridge University Student Union have a fantastic wealth of welfare support, offering everything from mental health awareness weeks to revision help. The University Counselling Service is very close by on Lensfield Road, and there are doctors’ and dentists’ surgeries nearby. If you need to talk urgently, Linkline is a student-run listening service, which you can call at any time throughout the night to chat to someone.

Hopefully time at Downing will be the best experience of your life so far, but if things do get bad, there are plenty of people willing to offer help and support.

Created by Welfare - Dow JCR - September 2008 Page last updated September 2008 (bmg31)