Disability, dyslexia and mental health support
The University aims to provide an inclusive teaching and learning environment for all students, including individuals who have Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD, mental health conditions, sensory and mobility disabilities and long-term health conditions. If you think you have a condition that may affect your studies, please do contact us for an appointment, or complete a referral form online by visiting our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.
We encourage applicants and students to share their disability or additional needs at the earliest opportunity, so that reasonable adjustments can be discussed, and appropriate arrangements agreed. Our services include:
- Confidential advice and guidance on course-related adjustments
- Arrangements for assessments and for teaching and learning
- Dyslexia and SpLD screenings and diagnostic assessments
- Autism screenings and NHS referral support
- Support and advice on seeking a diagnosis for a disability or mental health condition
- Help with applications for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) to fund specialist support
- Needs assessments for DSA
- Mentoring and tutoring support
- Accommodation adjustments (in Halls)
- Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs or fire plans)
- Management of Condition Plans (for students who have diabetes, epilepsy or other similar conditions)
- Assistive technology room
- Sensory room
- Sunflower scheme
DSA provides three allowances to support your studies if you have a disability or long-term health condition. The allowances you are awarded depend on your condition and circumstances.
The allowances are:
- Assistive Technology and Computer Equipment
- Specialist one-to-one support: Specialist Study Skills Tuition for students who have a SpLD or Specialist Mentoring for students who have a mental health condition or autism.
- General allowances: Printing reimbursement or travel support for students who significantly struggle with public transport as a result of their disability.
Please note except for printing reimbursement. DSA is not a monetary award, and allowances are paid directly to providers of support.
At St Mary’s, we have an in-house team of specialist mentors and study skills tutors who can provide DSA-funded one-to-one support for eligible students on campus or remotely. To apply for DSA, you will need to complete an application online or by post, attend a study needs assessment and arrange your support. If you need any support during the DSA application process, please contact the Wellbeing Service.
We have a partnership with AccessAble who have carried out an extensive survey of St Mary's University to create a series of access guides, showing students and visitors their options for navigating buildings and routes around the campus according to various access requirements. Accessibility information and route plans can be found on our website.
Counselling
Email: counselling@stmarys.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8240 4353
If life feels overwhelming and you are not sure where to turn, the Counselling Service is here to support you.Talking to a counsellor can help you to see things from a new perspective, manage feelings, and change repetitive and unhelpful patterns of behaviour. No matter what is causing you distress, the counselling service provides a confidential space to reflect on and understand why you're feeling the way you do, empowering you to find solutions and enhance your enjoyment in life.
Our fully qualified counsellors are able to help with a range of issues; e.g., relationships, friendships, family issues, bereavement, anxiety, stress, depression, identity (sexual/gender), sleeplessness, loneliness, substance misuse, self-harm/suicidal thoughts, abuse (sexual/domestic/emotional), or issues around eating. No problem is too small.
To access counselling, please visit our webpages.
After an initial assessment, you will be offered up to four counselling sessions with either one of our in-house counsellors, with one of our counsellors from our partner organisation ProblemShared, or referred to a service that is more appropriate.
Our service includes:
- One-to-one counselling
- Face to face, online or Telephone counselling