Oakswood College

Student Support

Our experienced and dedicated staff work with the students to enhance their academic and personal skills.

We want all our students to have the best possible experience while studying at Oakswood College. To achieve this, we provide a range of academic and pastoral support services to help you successfully navigate your way through your chosen course. Whether you need help writing essays or making presentations, or support and advice on personal issues, we are with you every step of the way.

Student Welfare and Support Advice Team

The Student Welfare and Support Advice Team are experienced in supporting students who have experienced harassment, sexual assault or rape, amongst other welfare related support. The team works with students who are having difficulties functioning or continuing their studies for non-academic reasons. They are able to speak with you in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space and they can support you in finding the appropriate support. When you report an incident with your contact details, the Student Welfare and Support Advice Team will contact you within three working days.

Oakswood College Student Welfare & Support Team

At Oakswood College, your wellbeing is at the heart of our community. Our Student Welfare & Support Team is highly experienced in supporting students who have faced harassment, sexual assault, rape, or any other distressing or welfare-related challenges.

A Safe, Confidential Space

We understand that personal difficulties can affect your ability to study, focus, or simply function day to day. Our team offers a safe, confidential, and non judgmental environment where you can talk openly about what you're experiencing.

How We Support You

Our advisors can:

Listen to your concerns with empathy and respect
Help you explore your options and understand your rights
Connect you with specialist services, both within the college and externally
Support you in managing the impact of your experience on your studies
Work with academic departments to arrange appropriate adjustments where needed

When You Report an Incident

If you choose to report an incident and provide your contact details, a member of the Oakswood College Student Welfare & Support Team will reach out to you within three working days. Their role is to ensure you feel supported, informed, and never alone in navigating what comes next.

You Deserve Support

No matter what you're going through, you don't have to face it by yourself. The Welfare & Support Team is here to help you feel safe, heard, and empowered.

NEAREST GP SERVICES and HOSPITALS AND WALK-IN CENTRES

University Medical Practice
5 Pritchatts Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham
B15 2QU
Phone: 0121 687 3055

Harborne Medical Practice
4 York Street, Harborne, Birmingham
B17 0HG
Phone: 0121 427 5246

LOCAL CHARITIES

Birmingham & Solihull Women's Aid
Ryland House, 44-48 Bristol St, Birmingham B5 7AA
Phone: 0808 800 0028

Birmingham Mind
Address: Quay Place, 92-93 Edward St, Birmingham B1 2RA
Phone: 0121 608 8001

AND GEOGRAPHICALLY SPECIFIC CONTACTS SUCH AS

Have a sentence in there something like: "If the form is submitted anonymously, all disclosures will still be investigated thoroughly, with care and confidentiality. However, anonymity may limit our ability to provide support or drive meaningful change, and we will not be able to share the outcomes of our investigation with you."

Think about what email addresses(s) this will go to and how you will manage them.

Confidentiality

Add in your Privacy Notice. Use text to explain how communications will be confidential, unless you give explicit consent to share information with another agency or individual.

There are some instances in which the organisation may be obliged to pass on certain information to other organisations, even without your approval. These instances include if you give the identifying information about a child or at-risk adult who is currently or imminently at risk of harm, or if you disclose information that leads us to believe that you or someone else may be at risk of harm.

Policies & Procedures

EXTERNAL AVENUES OF SUPPORT

Below are some external services/avenues of support. You should take care to explore your local options as well as national, and include relevant links/information. Ensure that published information about external services is reviewed on at least an annual basis to ensure currency and accuracy. Consider reaching out and making links with key services as well, as part of your prevention and support mechanisms/strategies.

Victims First Specialist Service

The Victims First Specialist Service provides specialist support for victims and witnesses of crime including rape and sexual abuse, exploitation and modern slavery and can provide Restorative Justice services. The support will be provided by specialist Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs), Restorative Justice Practitioners, Exploitation Specialists and staff with other relevant specialist skills and knowledge.

Tel: +44 (0) 800 1234 148 (Freephone)
If you are unable to reach them, you can leave a message, and let them know when would be a safe time to call you back. You can also fill in their referral form.

SurvivorsUK

SurvivorsUK offer a free and confidential service to anyone who identifies as male, trans, non-binary, has identified as male in the past who are dealing with effects of sexual violence, and to anyone who is supporting them. This includes but is not limited to counselling, therapy, online helpline services (Chat to trained professionals, one to one, using their web, SMS or WhatsApp chat services).

Chat via SMS: +44 (0) 20 3322 1860
Chat via WhatsApp: +44 (0) 7491 816064
Online web chat

Galop, the LGBT+ anti-violence charity

Galop offer confidential and independent practical advice and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people who have experienced sexual assault, abuse or violence. If you choose to report to the police, they can support you through the criminal justice system.

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7704 2040
Email: referrals@galop.org.uk