“I come from a one parent family where I was brought up in a catholic secondary school estranged from mother.

Christmas was always a traumatic experience and since I spent Christmas in England, I have been alone and extremely sad.

However, I have come across City Cares which helps students in similar position to myself. They put me in touch with other students to join them for Christmas or charities which put students in touch with hosts families, where they can have a normal Christmas in a decent environment. This is an opportunity for those who are neglected and feel not wanted to be somewhere where they are. They also provide other sources of help and advice, and organise trips and events.” – Estranged student City, University of London

 

“I feel as though I could be better supported by my friends & family just by them really encouraging me; forcing me to open up whenever they have noticed a problem or difference in my behaviour.

It’s always nice to reassure someone that you are there to support them and will not judge them. Sometimes it makes a huge difference if you can show them this, rather than just tell them.

I feel the University could advertise and promote the Services offered at City (City cares, Mental Health, Counselling etc) to much further heights. Maybe somebody can pop in towards the end of a lecture at OTLT or the Great Hall and just remind everyone that help exists. (If a Student hears this at least twice in a month , it could make all the difference to them).If someone is not their usual self or something seems odd and they are denying that anything is wrong/ are not willing to speak about it. The least one can do is smile, attempt to take their mind of things, make them laugh and just generally show them you are there for them.

Check on your close ones. They may be putting on a smile and acting normal for the sake of not wanting to burden you with their troubles. By reassuring them that you want to know what’s going on and want to help and reminding them that that’s what you are here for, will go a long way.” – Young adult carer City, University of London