Escalation in world conflict

20 June 2025

Support for RAU students and staff

The Royal Agricultural University recognises that several conflicts have escalated in various parts of the world and that these developments are understandably distressing for many members of our university community, particularly those with family, friends, or personal ties to the affected regions.

At this time of heightened uncertainty and concern, we want to reaffirm our commitment to supporting both staff and students impacted by these events.

We recognise the emotional, mental, and academic toll such crises can take, and we encourage you to reach out if you need support.

Please be assured the University is here to support all members of our community, particularly those who are directly affected by these events.

This is a time when we need to look out for each other, especially as some of us may not be physically on campus. If anyone is in need of support, please reach out to our dedicated support services.

Support for students

  • Our Student Services team is here to offer support to all RAU students. Please do contact the team directly if you want to talk.

  • The Student Assistance Programme which is available 24/7 where students can talk to counsellors in over 240 languages and dialects. You can call the Student Wellbeing Helpline free on: 0800 028 3766
  • The RAU chaplaincy team is available to talk and/or to pray with you. You can contact them at chaplaincy@rau.ac.uk and, if you are on campus, the RAU Chapel is open every day for quiet or prayer - please just go in. One of our chaplains, Matt Frost, is on campus Wednesday lunchtimes and available for anyone.

Support for staff

  • You can contact our dedicated Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) on 0800 358 4858. The EAP offers advice and signposting, as well as a counselling service which is free to use and completely confidential.
  • You may wish to speak to your line manager or anyone in HR
  • The RAU chaplaincy team is available to talk and/or to pray with you. You can contact them at chaplaincy@rau.ac.uk and, if you are on campus, the RAU Chapel is open every day for quiet or prayer - please just go in. One of our chaplains, Matt Frost, is on campus Wednesday lunchtimes and available for anyone.

If you are a staff member who is concerned about a student who may have been affected, please do contact the Student Services team which will be able to offer help and support.

We stand in solidarity with all those affected by conflict and violence.

Our university is a place of compassion, inclusion, and resilience, and we are here for you.