I think someone I know has been discriminated against
If you think someone you know has been discriminated against, there are lots of ways in which you can help them.
Understanding the behaviours associated with discrimination, as set out in the information above, is a good place to start. Most people will be able to describe what has happened or is happening to them and how it's making them feel.
Unlawful discrimination takes place when an individual or a group of people are treated less favourably than others based on a protected characteristic such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership (in employment), pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex or gender, sexual orientation.
You don’t have to deal with this alone
- Don’t try to carry worrying or distressing thoughts or experiences alone. Talking to a trusted family member or friend can help identify options and to get support.
- Listen. If someone has had a distressing experience just taking the time to listen to them and talk about what has happened can help. These six active listening tips might help you support them. These are based on the Samaritans guidelines for active listening
- Give options. When they have finished talking ask them if they are okay to talk through some possible options and next steps.
- Our Wellbeing Service can help in a number of ways. A Wellbeing Advisor can talk through the University's procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence and support you through the process. This support includes checking draft complaints and attending any meetings with the University.
- The Samaritans can help with whatever difficult experience you're going through. You can call them free any time, from any phone, on 116 123. Or, you can email jo@samaritans.org.uk for a response within 24 hours. Whatever you're going through, you can call for free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.
Report
- Report and Support Students and staff can report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to an advisor they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence.
- University Procedure. All University of Law policies and procedures are available online. If you choose to make a formal complaint to the University about a student or member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
- Citizens Advice has lots of useful information and advice, including on taking legal action about discrimination.
Get Support
Mental Health and Wellbeing
1 in 4 people is affected by a mental health problem in any year and it is estimated that around 1 in 5 people has contemplated suicide or self-harm.
Mental health problems are as common among students as they are in the general population. Anyone who has new challenges as a student could benefit from talking to a trained counsellor. The NHS has advice on where to find help.
Self-care if you are experiencing poor mental health
Experiencing worry, distress or other threats to good mental health can often have an impact on day to day life.
- Student Minds supports students and members of the university community to develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to look after their own mental health, support others and create change.
- Mind has gathered together tips and guides to help you cope with everyday things like money, work, university and more.
- If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, ULaw’s Counselling Service offers confidential help to students.
Get Advice
- Advicenow is an independent, not-for-profit website, run by the charity Law for Life: the Foundation for Public Legal Education. It provides accurate, practical information on rights and the law in England and Wales.
- Mind has information on some of the experiences that may impact the mental health of people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students' mental health and how to find support.
- Friends, Families and Travellers works to end racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people and to protect the right to pursue a nomadic way of life. They support individuals and families with the issues that matter most to them, at the same time as working to transform systems and institutions to address the root causes of inequalities faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people.
- Citizens Advice can help with a wide range of issues including discrimination.
- The Discrimination Law Association provides useful links to support and information resources.
- The Equality Advisory Support Service discrimination helpline is for people who think they may have experienced discrimination. The service aims to support you if you're referred from local organisations. You can call the helpline directly, but it's best if you go to an advice organisation first. They can then make contact with the service on your behalf.