Welfare Resources and People

We have a dedicated welfare team here to support all aspects of your health and wellbeing and to help you reach your academic potential, navigate any problems you encounter, and make the most of your time here at Oxford.

We also have a free Student Assistance Programme (SAP) which offers Reuben students a 24/7 confidential call service, and an online health and wellbeing app called 'Wisdom'. You can use the Student Assistance Programme, day or night, for a variety of support needs, including for medical information, alcohol or drug issues, stress and anxiety, low mood, nutritional advice, medical factsheets, fitness advice and health checks.

Who should I contact?

Our Welfare Team comprises of the Welfare Dean, the Senior Tutor, the Sub-Deans, the Disability Lead and Coordinator, Harassment Advisors and Peer Supporters. The welfare team works proactively and collaboratively with representatives from the graduate body, academic staff, university-wide services, and community services to support students.  

welfare support

Welfare Dean

Kirren Mahmood

Our Welfare Dean, Kirren Mahmood, serves as the first point of contact for students dealing with any issues related to welfare or wellbeing and support is tailored to the specific needs of each student. This includes: 

  • Being a friendly face and having an informal chat when you need it 

  • Offering a reflective space and actively listening to your problems 

  • Developing a shared understanding of the presenting problem/s with the student 

  • Psychoeducation and raising awareness of other significant issues including remits/criteria for relevant services 

  • Sharing self-help resources and information 

  • Signposting (directing our students to the most relevant services/ professionals for their needs) 

  • Offering preliminary evidence-based interventions for mild to moderate difficulties such as low mood, anxiety, stress and feeling overwhelmed 

Kirren will be available for confidential drop-in sessions and pre-scheduled appointments. If you ever feel distressed; struggle with your mental health or are having any personal problems; experience relationship/ family issues; substance misuse; or you are just worried about your work, please do not hesitate to contact her. 

Kirren is also one of the College's Harassment Advisors and oversees the student Peer Supporters (trained by the University Counselling Service). 

Peer Supporters

If you start feeling isolated, struggle to settle in, or you have any concerns about any aspect of college life, you might find it easier to approach a Peer Supporter in the first instance. 

Peer Supporters are students who have received intensive training and regular supervision by the University Counselling Service to help other students think through issues and provide emotional support in a safe and confidential manner. 

Some of our Peer Supporters will get elected by the GCR committee and take on a more visible and active role as student Welfare Officers. Find further information about Peer Support Training.  

To contact our peer supporters, email them at peer.support@reuben.ox.ac.uk.

Learn more about our Peer Supporters here.

Sub-Deans

Sub-Deans form a core part of the College’s welfare and pastoral support, assisting the Dean(s), Welfare Dean, and college staff in creating a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for our college community. Our Sub-Deans have a rotating roster and are available to assist our students with any difficulties that may arise out of hours (7pm-7am) including help or advice for any pastoral/welfare issue, personal problem, illness, or crisis and matters relating to inconsiderate/anti-social behaviour. 

Contact the Sub-Deans by emailing sub.dean@reuben.ox.ac.uk or calling 07564 045442.

Academic Office Team

University and College Resources

  • Student Assistance Programme (SAP): This service provides a free, 24/7 confidential call service, an online health portal, and a personal app. Find out more here.

  • College Doctor & Practice Nurses: The College is linked to a GP Practice, Dr Leaver & Partners at the Jericho Health Centre that provide NHS medical services and all students are strongly encouraged to register with the practice upon arrival.

  • University Counselling Service: This service offers individual counselling, workshops, short courses, group counselling, self-help resources and podcasts.

  • University Disability Advisory Service (DAS): DAS provides information and advice on disability issues and facilitates support for those with, for example, sensory or mobility impairments, long-term health conditions, specific learning difficulties, autistic spectrum conditions or mental health difficulties. The College's Disability Coordinator is responsible for advising students about provision and support available for a wide range of disabilities, and can help you with any reasonable adjustments you may require to help you access all aspects of your education and college life to help you access all aspects of your education and college life. This includes exam adjustments such as extra time, assistive technology, breaks, etc. See our resources and advice for students with disabilities for further information.  

  • Graduate Common Room: The College GCR includes Welfare representatives and Equality and Diversity representatives who help to ensure Reuben College resources, events, and initiatives are inclusive and accessible to all our students.

  • University welfare provision: The University offers a range of welfare provision and services.  

  • Oxford Student Union: offers advice, guidance and support for students' welfare and well-being.

All staff, Fellows and Senior Officers of the College are obliged to complete annual training on Implicit Bias and Equality and Diversity as part of their continuous professional development and to embed inclusivity in their day-to-day work. 

Other Resources