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Participants Wanted: Final Year Psychology Dissertation - University of Leicester

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Participants Wanted: Final Year Psychology Dissertation - University of Leicester

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We would greatly appreciate your participation in a study we are conducting as part of our final year psychology dissertation. We are keen to contact autistic students at De Montfort University.  The study will be supervised by Dr Carlo De Lillo. If you agree to take part, you will be asked to perform some simple memory and cognitive tasks. It should take no more than 30 minutes to complete the study and you will be entered into a lottery to potentially earn £25 for taking part.

Your participation will be very useful, and we hope that our study will help characterise the cognitive profile of autism. The study will be taking place after exams next semester.

If you are interested, please email ak794@student.le.ac.uk to arrange a time to meet.

Sincerely yours,

Atish Kothari, Imogen Thomson and Dr Carlo De Lillo.

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Here in Leicester it’s February and it’s a lovely sunny morning which is very welcome after so many long dull days.  The evenings are staying lighter for a little bit longer every day and spring flowers are starting to appear.

Appropriately, this mindfulness focuses on gratitude.

Just to explain a little about why feeling Gratitude is good for us: research has shown that feeling gratitude has a strong positive impact on psychological well-being, it enhances positive emotions and can make us feel more optimistic.

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This is a good mindfulness session if you have tried mindfulness before but felt like you weren't doing it properly!

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Let go of negative thoughts

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Every Monday  3.00-4.00
Join using this link Click here to join the meeting

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Listen to a recorded mindfulness  session 

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Listen to a recorded mindfulness  session 

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Forget about the past and the future for 11 minutes

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Every Tuesday at 4pm on Teams
Click here to join the meeting

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Join at 6pm with this link
Click here to join the meeting

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Festive events in Leicester over the Christmas break

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Festive events in Leicester over the Christmas break

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Festive activities and support (dmu.ac.uk)
Here are some suggestions of festive events and activities for any students staying in Leicester over Christmas, including links for those in need of support during this time.

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Timetable for Autism Essentials Online Sessions:

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Timetable for Autism Essentials Online Sessions:

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Date  | Topic
Every Thursday 3.30-4.30

20/1 Your Role in a Friendship

27/1 Sleep Issues

3/2 Coping with Group Work

10/2 Giving Presentations

17/2 Sexual Relationships

24/2 Applying for a Job

3/3 Your Role in a Friendship

10/3 Sleep Issues

17/3 Coping with Group Work

24/3 Giving Presentations

31/3 Sexual Relationships

7/4  Applying for a Job

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Participants wanted for 3rd Year Dissertation...

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Participants wanted for 3rd Year Dissertation...

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If you are autistic and would like to participate in a 3rd year DMU student's dissertation, please email autism@dmu.ac.uk for more information. A short 20 minute interview is all that is required on the topic of being autistic and coming to university, your thoughts and opinions. Thanks.

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Events and information...

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Celebrating diversity is so important, and the Disability Power 100 is here to do just that. This is an annual publication that highlights and champions the work of the top 100 disabled influencers in the country, as nominated by the public.

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Celebrating diversity is so important, and the Disability Power 100 is here to do just that. This is an annual publication that highlights and champions the work of the top 100 disabled influencers in the country, as nominated by the public.

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If you need support or want to know more about applying for Disabled Students' Allowances please see the poster above or contact DMU CAN can@dmu.ac.uk

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The DMU Centre for Accessibility Needs are running some taster sessions on Assistive Technology software and also workshops on accessing DSA (Disabled Students' Allowances)

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Please take a look at the events being held as part of Interfaith Week here on campus.

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Hot Topic Interfaith Week 2021_4.11.2021 Final

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Book via EVENTS / WELLBEING section on MyGateway...

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Book via EVENTS / WELLBEING section on MyGateway...

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Sessions topics listed below...

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Job Opportunities - Through National Autistic Society

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Job Opportunities - Through National Autistic Society

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Click here to see job opportunities through the National Autistic Society

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We work with leading employers including J.P. Morgan, Auto Trader UK and more across a wide range of industries to create accessible job opportunities for autistic people looking for work. Job seekers can find out more about the Autism at Work programme and apply for the latest vacancies.

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DMUWorks Graduate Recruitment and Placement Careers Fair - 29th October - Online 

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DMUWorks Graduate Recruitment and Placement Careers Fair - 29th October - Online 

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Join the sessions by booking via MyGateway. Your chance to find out more about a whole host of careers and placement and graduate roles, advice and information.

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Managing Eating Disorder Recovery in the Transition to University

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Managing Eating Disorder Recovery in the Transition to University

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Video showing you how to install the desktop app

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Skip to main content

It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

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LibGuides: Online Academic Support Drop-In: How to open MS Teams

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Skip to main content It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

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Do you have a quick question you need the answer to? Is there something you’re unsure of? If yes, you can book a “quick query” appointment with one of our team and we would be happy to help you out 😊. Quick query appointments will be face-to-face and available to book on “My Gateway”. Just search by Autism Support to see availability.

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Scroll across to our Podcast column on this Padlet for some short but informative talks on autism at university. Most are approximately 7 minutes long

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Click below to listen to our Podcast on Apple, Spotify or Amazon Music!

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Click below to listen to our Podcast on Apple, Spotify or Amazon Music!

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Autism at University offers advice, tips and hacks to help autistic students navigate university life.

Autism at University offers advice, tips and hacks to help autistic students navigate university life.

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Autism at University offers advice, tips and hacks to help autistic students navigate university life. Autism at University offers advice, tips and hacks to help autistic students navigate university life.

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We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and our services, you agree to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy.

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We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and our services, you agree to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy.

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Autism at University offers advice, tips and hacks to help autistic students navigate university life.

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We're on Instagram @dmuautism

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Create an account or log in to Instagram - Share what you’re into with the people who get you.

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We're on Twitter @DMUAutismTeam

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Something went wrong, but don’t fret — let’s give it another shot.

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Autism Essentials - "Good To Know" courses

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Autism Essentials - "Good To Know" courses

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See Timetable in next column, Autism Essentials - Good to Know Sessions. Book via MyGateway for these sessions and other Wellbeing sessions...

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Social Activities (Thursday) - Term Time

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Social Activities (Thursday) - Term Time

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Days   | Activity   | Time of activity    | Meeting location

*Thursday 11th November   | TBC   | TBC  | Main Doors outside Gateway House
*Thursday 18th November   | Cinema   | Evening   | Main doors outside Gateway House
*Thursday 25th November   | TBC   | TBC  | Main doors outside Gateway House
*Thursday 2nd December   | TBC    | TBC  | Main doors outside Gateway House
*Thursday 9th December   | Social Climbing    | 6-7   | Main doors outside Gateway House
*Thursday 16th December   | Pub (Possibly with quiz)   | 6-7 evening   | Main doors outside Gateway House

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Please look at the Lunch Club column Autism Lunch Clubs for more info...

TUESDAY - Virtual via Teams playing UNO Online, Click for Link in Lunch Club column
THURSDAY - On Campus - Portland Building - The Breathing Space

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Do you want to share your thoughts about your experience of being diagnosed with autism?

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Do you want to share your thoughts about your experience of being diagnosed with autism?

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Leicester Council are running some workshops to discuss diagnosis and people's experiences of being diagnosed with ASD. Please see the flyer or email ester.vickers@leicester.gov.uk for more information...

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Autism Post Diagnostic Focus Group -Poster FINAL PDf

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Join Clare doing 30 minutes of Mindfulness on Tuesday afternoons, 4:00-4:30pm.
Book onto the session via MyGateway
Any questions, please email autism@dmu.ac.uk

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Come and join our autism lunch club 12:00-1:30pm over in the Portland Building

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*NEW* DMU Student Ambassador Roles - 2021/22 

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*NEW* DMU Student Ambassador Roles - 2021/22 

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Please note that this Vacancy is for Current DMU Students Only.

We are looking to recruit more DMU Student Ambassadors. Your role will be vital on campus to promote and enhance the reputation of the university to prospective students and their influencers, by dealing professionally, accurately and empathetically with all customers.

You will be required to support the Marketing and Communications Department in achieving its marketing strategy objectives through involvement in activities designed to support the recruitment of students to DMU.

You will be required to support the Marketing and Communications Department in achieving its internal marketing strategy objectives by committing to a strong customer service culture.

You will be required to support all faculties and other departments, when required, in achieving their recruitment strategy objectives.

The rate of pay for this job is £9.50 per hour with £1.38 holiday pay.

To apply for the ambassador role you will need to email saran.burrows3@dmu.ac.uk, who will then give you the link to an online form and briefing on creating a 90 second video.

You must have filled in the online form and sent us your video before 10th October 2021 at 5pm otherwise we will be unable to consider you for the role.

Following the deadline, the successful applicants will then be progressed through to interviews.

Duties and responsibilities

To be a competent and professional representative of the university at all times when dealing with all stakeholders.

To maintain a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for visitors to the university.

To be flexible and responsive to new information given by DMU staff.

To ascertain when an enquiry needs referral to a higher authority.

To conduct tours of the Leicester City Campus for visitors.

To represent DMU at promotional events such as Open Days and experience days, in a variety of roles.

To provide support, both via telephone, face to face and email.

To provide clerical and administrative support to the Marketing and communications Department, as and when required.

To be aware of appropriate DMU policies and procedures - including Safeguarding Children, Data Protection, Manual Handling and Diversity.

To promote higher education opportunities through widening participation activities to under 18 year olds.

To support and involve in summer schools in a variety of roles including supervision of small groups of under 18s.

Student Ambassadors may be required, from time to time, to fulfil other ad-hoc duties as appropriate to their skills.

To be committed to the Universities ethos and values at all times such as Equalities and Diversity

Effective team-working skills

PC Literate

Experience of working with young people

Excellent presentation Skills

Experience in speaking to large groups of people
In order to apply for this job you have to be currently studying/enrolled with De Montfort University.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, any indicated closing date is subject to change at the hiring manager's discretion. If you have not been contacted within 2 weeks of applying for the role, unfortunately your application has not been successful in this instance.

Are you a DMU Student and require help putting together a CV/Cover Letter?
Why not make the use of the Digital tools available via MyGateway by clicking HERE. Here is where you can access CV360, CV Builder and the Cover Letter Builder tool.

Unitemps is acting as an Employment Business, supplying temporary workers, in relation to this vacancy.

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Please note that this Vacancy is for Current DMU Students Only. We are looking to recruit more DMU Student Ambassadors. Your role will be vital on campus to promote and enhance the reputation of the university to prospective students and th...

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DMU CAN - Centre for Accessibility Needs

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DMU CAN - Centre for Accessibility Needs

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Information about accessibility options when using our website can be found here. You can also use the AbilityNet My Computer My Way site to find out how to adjust the settings on your device.

The University is be closed on the following dates:

Monday 30th August 2021

Friday 24th December untill Tuesday 4th January 2022

Our assessment centre is accredited by the Department of Education The aim of our friendly and specialist team is to perform assessments of needs as part of the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) process.

We are open to students from any institution or region. This means you can have your assessment of needs here even if you aren't a current or prospective student of De Montfort University. You don't need to wait until you have started your chosen course to book your assessment.

We offer twilight appointments at 4:30pm two evenings a week.

What you need to know:
How to arrange an assessment of needs Preparing for your appointment How to find us What is an assessment of needs? The assessment fee After the assessment Beat the jargon Giving feedback
Once you have received the approval letter from your funding body asking you to book an assessment of needs, contact us at can@dmu.ac.uk or call 0116 257 7354 to book an appointment.

Alternatively, please complete the form at the bottom of this page and we will get in touch with you.

We are open throughout the year. The office is open 9am -5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4.30pm on Friday, except for bank holidays and university closure days. Appointments are available from 9:15 up to 4:30pm and on some Saturdays.

Appointments are typically available within 15 working days from the day you contact us.

You need to allow up to 2 hours for your appointment, so there is plenty of time to discuss your requirements and options available to you.

1. Send us a copy of your medical/diagnostic evidence and funding body approval letter: Although you will already have sent your medical/diagnostic evidence to your funding body, they do not pass this or your approval letter on to us. Therefore, you need to send us these documents prior to your assessment of needs.

2. Complete your pre-assessment form: In order to identify the best support strategies for you, we require some information in advance. This includes details about your course, your disability and any previous support you have received. This will enable the assessor to do any prior research needed and consider the full range of support available. We also require information about your computer specifications, if you own one, as this gives your assessor a better idea of whether your computer will be able to run any assistive software that they may recommend. You can can email your documents to CAN@DMU.ac.uk.

3. Warning about purchase of specialist equipment: Please be aware that funding bodies are not likely to reimburse you for anything you purchase before they have approved the recommendations in your assessment of needs report.

We are currently working from home, but are usualy abased at:
De Montfort University Centre for Accessibility Needs (DMU-CAN)
The Student Gateway
Ground Floor, Gateway House
The Gateway
Leicester LE1 9BH
Campus map (Gateway House is number 14)
There are two accessible parking spaces outside the Assessment Centre that are allocated for students while they are attending their assessment. Parking spaces need to be pre-booked, so if you need one for your appointment please let us know when you book.
Arriving by public transport
If you need to get a taxi from the train or bus station, this should cost around £5.
Pedestrian map
There is no direct bus service between the train station and Gateway House. Several buses from the bus station go by the DMU campus. The nearest stop is a 6-7 minute walk from Gateway House. Bus routes 48, 49, 84, 86, 87 and 88 stop nearby on Oxford Street. Plan your journey.

You may be able to claim back your travel expenses through the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) if you have to travel outside of your local town or city to attend the appointment, or if you need to use a taxi service due to your disability.

The Assessment of Needs is a necessary part of the DSA application process. It is not a test. It is a meeting with one of our skilled and friendly assessors to determine how the DSA funds available for your studies can best be spent and how your university should make adjustments to assist you.

During the meeting, you will discuss the learning strategies that you currently use, the requirements of your course and any support needs that you may have. The assessor will then suggest strategies that could be used to manage the effects of your disability on your studies. This could include demonstrating different equipment and software to show how they might help you, and discussing human support.

The purpose of the assessment is to determine a support package that is suited to you. The assessor will ask for your opinion on the support strategies proposed and answer any questions you might have.

You can find further details about the assessment of needs process here.

You may have had an assessment with an educational psychologist or specialist teacher to diagnose a Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) such as Dyslexia, or you might have had assessments with a GP, consultant or other health professional regarding a medical condition, autistic spectrum disorder, mobility difficulties or mental health difficulty. The assessment of needs differs from these other assessments, as its purpose is to determine how your disability might affect your studies, and to identify support strategies that could be used to help you succeed on your chosen course. To make these recommendations, the assessor will draw on the diagnostic/medical evidence you have provided and discuss your disability-related needs with you. You can download more information on the assessments here.

There is no direct cost to you. The fee for the assessment will be paid by your funding body as part of your DSA general allowance.

Our assessment fee includes the additional needs with which you may present, and any activities undertaken by the assessor or centre to review your DSA support (for the duration of the original course for which the assessment was undertaken). This will include liaison with funding bodies, equipment suppliers, higher education institutions or other stakeholders for the purpose of review of your support needs (where permission to share data has been given).

Students who present with an additional diagnosis (i.e. disability or condition) during their course should send their funding body a copy of the evidence. Once the funding body has accepted the evidence, they will confirm that you can have your study needs reviewed in light of the new condition(s). You can then meet again with your assessor for a free review of your needs. This will be included in the original fee.

Students progressing onto postgraduate and PGCE study may be eligible for a formal review of their needs, funded through the postgraduate or undergraduate DSA, respectively. All reviews must be authorised in writing by the funding body in advance.

After your Assessment of Needs, the assessor will write a Needs Assessment Report (also called Assessment of Needs Report or NAR or AONR) recommending support strategies and outlining how they will help you on your course. Under normal working practices, you should receive your report within two weeks (10 working days).

You can find further details on what happens next here.

Data storage

The centre's files are kept securely and separately from the university's other data. We will only share your information with people/organisations if you have given us your permission to do so.

Here are some abbreviations or acronyms you might encounter as part of the funding process.

AON: Assessment of Needs - sometimes also referred to as Needs Assessment or Study Needs Assessment

AONR: Assessment of Needs Report - sometimes also referred to as NAR or Needs Assessment Report

AT Assistive Technology

ATSP Assistive Technology Solutions Provider

DSA Disabled Students' Allowances

DA or DO Disability Advisor/Disability Officer

EP Educational Psychologist, a qualified professional who diagnoses Specific Learning Difficulties/ Differences such as dyslexia

Funding Body The organisation you applied to for your DSA and/or Student Finance

HEI or HEP Higher Education Institution or Higher Education Provider (as not all courses are taught in a university; some might be via a college)

OU Open University

NAR Needs Assessment Report sometimes also called AONR or - Assessment of Needs Report

SAAS Student Awards Agency Scotland (funding body for Scottish students)

SFE Student Finance England (funding body for English students)

SFNI Student Finance Northern Ireland (funding body for Northern Irish students)

SFW Student Finance Wales (funding body for Welsh students)

SpLD Specific Learning Difficulty / Difference

We really value feedback from students, as it gives us the opportunity to improve the service we offer. Please complete this survey to tell us about your experience.

In addition, DSA-QAG, the quality assurance group for assessment centres, run their own feedback survey and would like to make you aware of the following information:

Student feedback plays a critical part in the evaluation, development and enhancement of the quality of the DSA experience for disabled students. We would greatly appreciate if you would take the time to complete our survey.

Complaints

If you are not happy with the service you have received, please let us know so that we can address your concerns appropriately.

Read our complaints policy.

You can contact us by calling 0116 257 7354, emailing can@dmu.ac.uk or by visiting or writing to:

De Montfort University Centre for Accessibility Needs (DMU-CAN)
The Student Gateway
Gateway House The Gateway
Leicester LE1 9BH

We are open throughout the year: 9am - 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am - 4.30pm on Friday, except for bank holidays and university closure days.

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DMU Centre for Accessibility Needs (DMU-CAN)

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DSA-QAG accredited assessment centre for DSA (Disabled Students Allowance) Assessment of Needs (AON). This part of the process for applying for support as a Higher Education student with a disability. You do not have to be a current or prospective student of DMU to book.

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NHS Bursaries for students who are eligible for DSA

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NHS Bursaries for students who are eligible for DSA

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In addition to the NHS bursary you may also be able to apply for extra help if:

you have children

you have adult dependants

you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty

you do a practice placement

your course runs for more than 30 weeks and 3 days in the academic year

Find out more about extra help on the NHS Student Bursaries website.

Dependants' Allowance

You may get this if you have adults or children who are financially dependent on you when you're training.

How much you get depends on your household income.

Apply for Dependants' Allowance through your BOSS account.

Childcare Allowance

You must apply for Dependants' Allowance before you can apply for Childcare Allowance.

You may be able to get the NHS Bursary Childcare Allowance if you have dependent children.

How much you get depends on your circumstances and your household income.

You cannot get this if you're not entitled to the NHS bursary (known as a 'Fees Only award').

To qualify:

you must use a registered childcare provider

your children must be under 15 on the first day of the academic year (or under 17 if they have special educational needs)

The allowance pays 85% of the gross actual cost up to:

£128.78 a week for 1 child

£191.45 a week for 2 or more children

Apply for Childcare Allowance via the form on the NHS Student Bursaries website.

Parent Learning Allowance

You must apply for Dependants' Allowance first. If this includes a dependent child, you're automatically assessed for Parent Learning Allowance.

You can claim up to £1,204 per academic year.

How much you get depends on your household income.

Disabled Students' Allowances

You can get this if you have to pay extra costs because of a:

physical disability

long-term health condition

mental-health difficulty

specific learning difficulty like dyslexia

You need to give up-to-date medical evidence of the nature and severity of your disability from a qualified professional.

You can get up to:

£20,725 for a helper

£5,214 for specialist equipment for the whole course

£1,741 for other costs

Apply for Disabled Students Allowance through your BOSS account.

Practice placement expenses

If you do a practice placement you may be able to claim travel costs if:

your practice placement is in a hospital or community health centre and not at your university

it costs you more to travel to your placement than it costs to travel to university

Claim practice placement expenses via the form on the NHS Student Bursaries website.

Extra Weeks Allowance

If your course runs for more than 30 weeks and 3 days in the 2016 to 2017 academic year you may be entitled to Extra Weeks Allowance:

Your Extra Weeks Allowance is calculated automatically during the application process.

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In addition to the NHS bursary you may also be able to apply for extra help if: you have children you have adult dependants you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty you do a practice placement your course runs for more than 30 weeks and 3 days in the academic year Find out more about extra help on the NHS Student Bursaries website.

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A Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) covers some of the extra study-related costs you incur due to an impairment, mental health condition, or learning difference. This is a non-repayable allowance which is in addition to other student finance.

The amount you'll receive depends on your individual needs not on your income, nor that of your parents or partner. However, there are some restrictions on what you may use a DSA for and there are regional differences around the UK, so check the details below carefully.

Three key points

1. A DSA is available to full-time and part-time students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, including unpaid sandwich courses and distance learning courses lasting one year or more. : If you're planning to take an eligible healthcare or social work course, you should apply for your DSA through the NHS.

2. You don't have to have a confirmed university place to apply for a DSA. In fact, it's best to apply as early as possible but you can apply at any point during your studies. You can apply for a DSA when you apply for student finance.

3. You will be asked to provide proof of your impairment, condition, or learning difference (e.g. a diagnostic assessment of dyslexia, or a letter from a medical authority) and will be invited to attend a needs assessment once your application has been reviewed.

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A Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) covers some of the extra study-related costs you incur due to an impairment, mental health condition, or learning difference. This is a non-repayable allowance which is in addition to other student finance. The amount you'll receive depends on your individual needs not on your income, nor that of your parents or partner.

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Disabled Students' Allowance ( DSA) is support to cover the study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long-term illness or any other disability.

This can be on its own or in addition to any student finance you get.

The type of support and how much you get depends on your individual needs - not your household income.

You do not need to pay back DSA.

What you'll get

2023 to 2024 academic year

Undergraduate and postgraduate students can get up to £26,291 a year for support.

2022 to 2023 academic year

Undergraduate and postgraduate students can get up to £25,575 a year for support.

What DSA can pay for

You can get help with the costs of:

specialist equipment, for example a computer if you need one because of your disability

non-medical helpers, for example a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter or specialist note taker

extra travel to attend your course or placement because of your disability

other disability-related study support, for example having to print additional copies of documents for proof-reading

DSA does not cover disability-related costs you'd have if you were not attending a course, or costs that any student might have.

Buying a new computer

You may get a new computer if you're assessed as needing one because:

you do not already have one

your current one does not meet your study needs

When buying a new computer, you'll need to pay the first £200.

The DSA team will send you more information about this after your needs assessment.

Your 'needs assessment'

Once your eligibility for DSA is confirmed, Student Finance England may ask you to contact an assessment centre to work out what help you need.

This is known as a needs assessment. Do not book this until Student Finance England asks you to.

The assessment is paid for through any DSA entitlement you may have.

After the assessment, you'll get a report listing equipment and other support you can get for your course.

Do not buy any equipment until you've been assessed - you will not be reimbursed for it.

How DSA is paid

Money is paid either into your bank account or directly to the organisation providing the service or equipment.

You'll find out how your support will be paid to you after your needs assessment.

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Help if you're a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability

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Disabled Students' Allowance is extra money for higher education students - DSA1 forms, eligibility, how to apply, needs assessment.

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Do you want to share your thoughts about your experience of being diagnosed with autism?

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Do you want to share your thoughts about your experience of being diagnosed with autism?

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Leicester Council are running some workshops to discuss diagnosis and people's experiences of being diagnosed with ASD. Please see the flyer or email ester.vickers@leicester.gov.uk for more information...

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Autism Post Diagnostic Focus Group -Poster FINAL PDf

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Online videos you can access in your own time...

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dmu dmuleisure fitness exercise "de montfort university" leisure

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De Montfort Universities state of the art Leisure Centre YouTube channel. Bringing you classes, home workouts, exercises and fitness tips.

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Face-to-Face Sessions now available to book via MyGateway!

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DMUactive Timetable 20-21 Term 3 - Version 2 (Virtual) (1)

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Click on the links to find self-guided walks in your area...

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A landscape of gentle rural valleys and vibrant urban cultures.

Explore Britain's turbulent agricultural history and find the clues for it in the landscape Experience a brand today. new forest on land once scarred by heavy industry.

Explore Victorian allotments and discover a network of caves under your feet in Nottingham.

Follow the clues to find a flooded village. Find out what happened to the 'ghost villages' of Lincolnshire and discover an unlikely legend in Sherwood Forest.

Click on the map pins or scroll below
to find a walk or view near you

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A landscape of gentle rural valleys and vibrant urban cultures. Explore Britain's turbulent agricultural history and find the clues for it in the landscape Experience a brand today. new forest on land once scarred by heavy industry. Explore Victorian allotments and discover a network of caves under your feet in Nottingham.

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We have been playing Uno online in some of the Lunch Club sessions, here are the details of how to join a game...

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Mental Health Services in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland

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Mental Health Services in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland

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NHS Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Talking Therapies

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Vita Health Group offer free talking herapy services and counselling services to the residents of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

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Higher Education Achievement Report

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All DMU undergraduate students and taught postgraduate students receive the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) when they graduate. All enrolled undergraduates are issued with a draft (interim) copy of their HEAR during their first term for all enrolled students; this interim copy is updated regularly.
What is the HEAR?
When you graduate, as well as being issued with a degree certificate, you will be given access to your HEAR. This electronic document is our official academic transcript of your module results, alongside any recognised extra achievements such as internships, volunteering or student representative roles.
What is it for?
The HEAR is an excellent way to build a record of your employability as it captures not only your individual modules, but any recognised extra activities you've done at DMU. The HEAR allows you to see what you've achieved so far and what extra activities you could do before you graduate. This record can be very helpful when talking to employers about your skills and experiences.

View a sample of the HEAR report.
HEAR section 6.1
This is the section that includes information about the recognised extra-curricular activities you take part in as a student, such as volunteering, internships, Unitemps or student representative roles. The list is not fixed and new activities can be added. However, they need to be added by the activity leader before the start of the academic year in which the activity takes place.
Activities approval criteria.
Not all extra-curricular activities are automatically eligible for HEAR 6.1. A HEAR panel considers new activity requests submitted by activity leaders and approves them only if they meet the following criteria in brief and further details click here:

1.The activity is verifiable by the university

2.The activity is open to all students or all students within a specific academic cohort. The exception to this of certain representative roles which may be restricted to ensure democratic representation of the students.

3.The activity is not directly part of the academic credit-bearing curriculum

4.The activity is a DMU/DSU organised opportunity which recognises the students' employability skill development

5.The activity should normally be completed and verified before students have completed their academic programme

The deadline for requesting new activities to be added to the HEAR is 28 th February
What activities are recognised?
A wide range of extra-curricular activities are recognised, and new activities can be added by activity leaders, as long as they meet the HEAR criteria.

If you have volunteered with the DSU or DMUlocal, taken part in DMUglobal, undertaken a Frontrunner role, or found work through Unitemps, as long as you've worked the required number of hours, it will appear.

The HEAR will also include any official positions you've held in clubs and societies, and prizes or awards you've received while at DMU.

We have created a f ull current l ist of recognised activities . If you feel an activity should be added to the HEAR, then please contact us at the email address below and we will look into this. Some activities may not be eligible, for example if they don't include enough hours.

·Eligible students will get an email saying that a new document is available from De Montfort University in Digitary

·Click on the Education Provider Login (the green building button)

·Under 'Institution', enter De Montfort University and click Continue

·Enter your p-number and your usual single sign-on password

·You can share your HEAR with prospective employers and other institutions. See 'Sharing my documents' in the Digitary FAQ.

if you access an Please note: interim HEAR (which is issued some time before your final report), then the assessment results displayed remain unratified until the appropriate Programme Assessment Board has met and, as such, may be subject to change up until this point. When a module is still in progress, or during the time we are working on your assessment results, some components may not be shown. Please refer to university announcements for when results will be officially confirmed and released.
If you have any questions, please email HEAR@dmu.ac.uk.

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Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR)

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All DMU undergraduate students and taught postgraduate students receive the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) when they graduate. All enrolled undergraduates are issued with a draft (interim) copy of their HEAR during their first term for all enrolled students; this interim copy is updated regularly. What is the HEAR?

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Watch this video about how to access Covid testing at the Watershed and what to expect

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Check out the Spectrum community on Discord - hang out with 40 other members and enjoy free voice and text chat.

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The Monday Club Online  - what it is and how to join

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The Monday Club Online  - what it is and how to join

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The Monday Club online - how to join 1pg

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The Monday Club Timetable February - March 2021

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The Monday Club Timetable February - March 2021

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79. Monday Club Timetable February - March 2021

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#DMUpride February 2021 A series of events to mark LGBTQ+ History Month

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#DMUpride February 2021 A series of events to mark LGBTQ+ History Month

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https://www.dmu.ac.uk/events/pride/index.aspx

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De Montfort University (DMU), Leicester, UK offers a whole range of undergraduate, postgraduate and research courses. View our courses, book a visit and more

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Join the DMU LGBTQ+ Society Discord Server!

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Check out the DMU LGBTQ+ Society community on Discord - hang out with 88 other members and enjoy free voice and text chat.

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DMU launches 'No Space for Hate' Project

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DMU launches 'No Space for Hate' Project

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DMU to launch No Space for Hate project to support students

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The Monday Club Timetable January - February 2021

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The Monday Club Timetable January - February 2021

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Here are some links from DMU Sport / Active to help keep you active during Lockdown

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Please check out the links and pages for DMU Sport/DMU Active for all the latest up to date information!

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Please note DMU are awaiting an update from the Dept of Media Culture & Sport to determine if the active schedule can continue if/when the new lockdown measures are implemented on 5th Nov 2020. We will post any updated DMU Active timetable here when it is confirmed.

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MyGateway is DMU's one-stop shop for students' career planning and management. Students can just log in any time with their normal DMU username and password. Through MyGateway you can book one-to-one careers appointments, access a vast programme of career related events, and search and apply for jobs and placements among thousands of opportunities.

Inside MyGateway you will find the DMUworks Skills Hub, which is the place for current students to go for careers e-learning, employer videos and careers tools. Our career self-assessment tool allows you to measure your progress in a range of employability skills and will suggest activities and programmes to boost your work readiness. The Skills Hub also offers careers live chat and CV360, a tool that gives you instant feedback on your CV and how to improve it.

DMU students can also practise their interview skills using our latest video interview practice platform, Shortlist.Me DMU students can gain a competitive advantage by practising and reviewing their interview performance however many times they want, from the privacy of home, as well as receiving advice and guidance from a member of the DMUworks team.

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MyGateway is DMU's one-stop shop for students' career planning and management. Students can just log in any time with their normal DMU username and password. Through MyGateway you can book one-to-one careers appointments, access a vast programme of career related events, and search and apply for jobs and placements among thousands of opportunities.

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Young Minds - Covid, Autism & Mental Health Information

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Young Minds - Covid, Autism & Mental Health Information

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I was diagnosed as autistic in January 2018, and since then I've been learning more about the way that I process information and cope with different situations. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed everyone's way of life in many different ways, in a very short time frame. The challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic for me as an autistic person have affected my mental health in a few ways.

Change in routine

One trait that many autistic people share is needing a bit more time than others to adjust to changes to routines, but because everything had to happen so quickly there was no time to get used to the idea of change. One day I was in college doing my coursework and the next all my lessons were online, there was no adjustment period. For me this felt like my whole life was being ripped away. I've worked very hard to get my mental health to a good place where I feel able to go to college by myself, so this was a big adjustment.

One thing that helped me with this was getting myself into a new routine that works for me. I'm most productive in the evenings so I now spend my days baking, watching TV shows and on social media and my evenings studying and doing my coursework.

Social interaction

A common myth about autistic people is that we're all introverted and don't enjoy or need social interaction. For me this couldn't be less true - I thrive off of social interaction and often use it to cope with the symptoms of my mental illness.

Due to the government guidelines regarding social distancing and isolation, I can't meet any of my friends in person, which has had more of an impact on my mental health than I expected it would. I've tried to deal with this by video-calling people but I find phone calls really difficult if they don't have a specific purpose - I really dislike making small talk, even with people I know well.

Social media has been a great help for me in this though, and a lot of the people that I follow on Twitter are starting interesting conversations and coming up with ideas to help everyone feel more connected.

Uncertainty

There's a lot of uncertainty about when we'll be able to start returning to 'normal' life, and for me and many other autistic people this has been a great source of anxiety. If there was an end date in sight for all the change and strict rules, this would be so much easier to cope with.

Of course I understand why there isn't a solid end date, but everywhere I turn people are saying different things about when they think this will be over/if they think this will end and it's a lot of information to process. Something that has helped with this is learning how to ask people to change the conversation, and limiting my exposure to news about the virus.

Rules

Everywhere I look there are different interpretations of what rules we should be following and what they mean. Growing up I often wouldn't understand what the rules meant so I couldn't follow them properly, this would lead to me getting in trouble a lot for doing things that I didn't realise were wrong.

When the new rules and police powers were announced I was really scared that I'd accidentally get something wrong and get fined or arrested. It took me a week to build up the courage to step outside my house and go for a walk, because I was worried that I actually wasn't allowed to. It actually took one of my non-autistic friends messaging me and recommending that I go for a walk to reassure me that it was okay to do that.

Self-compassion

It's really easy to believe that everyone else is doing way better than me. It's easy to think that the whole world is adjusting to these new circumstances really easily and I'm the only one that's struggling; however this is simply not true! A lot of people are finding things tricky at the moment, and allowing myself to recognise that these are difficult times for everyone, and that it's okay to struggle has really helped my anxiety surrounding this situation.

Some other things that have helped me are:

Filling my time with lots of different activities - this limits the amount of time I have to worry and make myself more anxious

Asking my family to change the topic of conversation if it's making me anxious

Only getting my news from official sources like newspapers and government webpages instead of social media

Playing with sensory items and fidget toys when I get anxious, as they distract me and help me calm down

Prioritising self-care over productivity - it's more important that I get through this healthily than it is for me to get lots done.

Find help

For more information on autism and how you can help a friend who is autistic, have a look at our autism and mental health page.

If you are struggling with your mental health, or are worried about somebody else who is, take a look at our find help page for information, tips and suggestions of where you can get help.

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Coronavirus, autism and my mental health

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I was diagnosed as autistic in January 2018, and since then I've been learning more about the way that I process information and cope with different situations. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed everyone's way of life in many different ways, in a very short time frame.

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Video showing you how to install desktop app...

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Skip to main content

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LibGuides: Online Academic Support Drop-In: How to open MS Teams

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Skip to main content It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

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Realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first big step to getting help.
You may need help if:

you often feel the need to have a drink

you get into trouble because of your drinking

other people warn you about how much you're drinking

you think your drinking is causing you problems

A good place to start is with a GP. Try to be accurate and honest about how much you drink and any problems it may be causing you.

If you have become dependent on alcohol, you will have found it difficult to fully control your drinking in some way.

So you'll probably need some help either to cut down and control your drinking or stop completely, and also some plans to maintain the improvement after that.

The GP may suggest different types of assessment and support options available to you, such as from local community alcohol services.

You can also ask about any free local support groups and other alcohol counselling that may suit you.
Find alcohol addiction support services in your area
If you have become physically dependent and need to stop drinking completely, stopping overnight could be harmful.

You should get advice about this and about any medicine you may need to do this safely.

The sorts of mild or moderate withdrawal symptoms that suggest you may need medicine include:

anxiety after waking

sweating and mild tremors

nausea or retching in the morning

vomiting

Call 999 if you have severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, including:

hallucinations

severe tremors

seizures or fits

Staying healthy and in control

Cutting down or stopping drinking is usually just the beginning, and most people will need some degree of help or a long-term plan to stay in control or completely alcohol free.

Getting the right support can be crucial to maintaining control in the future. Only relying on family, friends or carers for this often is not enough.

Ask a GP or alcohol service about what longer-term support is available in your area.

Self-help or mutual aid groups (groups such as AA or SMART Recovery groups) are accessible in most areas.

Useful contacts for alcohol problems

Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. If you're worried about your own or someone else's drinking, you can call this free helpline in complete confidence. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm).

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free self-help group. Its "12 step" programme involves getting sober with the help of regular support groups.

Al-Anon Family Groups offer support and understanding to the families and friends of problem drinkers, whether they're still drinking or not. Alateen is part of Al-Anon and can be attended by 12 to 17-year-olds who are affected by another person's drinking, usually a parent.

We Are With You is a UK-wide treatment agency that helps individuals, families and communities manage the effects of drug and alcohol misuse.

Adfam is a national charity working with families affected by drugs and alcohol. Adfam operates an online message board and local support groups.

The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa) provides a free, confidential telephone and email helpline for children of alcohol-dependent parents and others concerned about their welfare. Call 0800 358 3456 for the Nacoa helpline.

SMART Recovery groups help people decide whether they have a problem, build up their motivation to change, and offer a set of proven tools and techniques to support recovery.

Caring for an alcoholic? Find out where you can get support on the Carers Trust website.

Alcohol detoxification

Most people receive support to stop drinking and recovery support in the community.

If you need medicine to help you stop drinking, it can often be taken at home or when attending a local service daily.

But some people will need a short stay in a medically supported unit so they can receive safe treatment of their withdrawal symptoms or other problems.

This may be in an NHS inpatient unit or a medically supported residential service, depending on your situation and the assessed medical need.

Intensive rehabilitation

Some people are assessed as needing intensive rehabilitation and recovery support for a period after they stop drinking completely, either through attending a programme of intensive support in their local community or by attending a residential rehabilitation service.

This type of intensive treatment is usually reserved for people with medium or high levels of alcohol dependence, and those who have received other forms of help previously that have not been successful.

Local authorities are responsible for alcohol treatment services. Intensive residential rehabilitation may require an additional assessment process to determine if there is funding for this.

It's also possible to pay for residential rehabilitation privately. Medical insurance companies may fund this for a certain period.

Find out more about treatments for alcohol misuse.

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Realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first step to getting better, but it's often the hardest one.

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Support with employment and job application process in association with National Autistic Society & Bloomfield Trust...PLEASE READ

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Discover exciting new hobbies, unleash hidden talents, find a new passion, or indulge in what you already love!

Being part of a society or sports club welcomes you into a family of like-minded individuals and is a really great and exciting place to make new friends. Activities, meals, socials, and Union events are all parts of the academic calendar so there definitely something for everyone!

Not only do societies and sports clubs offer a unique platform to make friends, learn new things and have fun, being part of a society means you could win awards, attend conferences, ceremonies and gain qualifications. All the experience you will gain is a great addition to boost your CV.

There are loads of student groups to choose from!

Take a look at our list and if you don't see anything you like you can even start a new group with 3 other friends!
For more information about leading your student group, head to our Committee Hub.

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Discover exciting new hobbies, unleash hidden talents, find a new passion, or indulge in what you already love! Being part of a society or sports club welcomes you into a family of like-minded individuals and is a really great and exciting place to make new friends.

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Join the Neurodivergent DMU Discord Server

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Join the Neurodivergent DMU Discord Server!

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Check out the Neurodivergent DMU community on Discord - hang out with 26 other members and enjoy free voice and text chat.

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What's On...

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If competitive sport isn't your thing, there are plenty of fun recreational sport and fitness opportunities that students can get involved with whilst studying at DMU. Recreational sport is a fantastic way to look after your wellbeing, help you to stay healthy, provides an opportunity to meet new people or try a new activity. There really is something for all students!

Here at DMU there are a variety of ways for students to get involved in recreational sport and fitness opportunities. Take a look at what DMUsport all has to offer below:

DMUactive - free daily sport and fitness sessions

Active Leagues - intra mural leagues

Active Events - one off fun events

DMUactive Volunteering Academy - volunteering opportunities

Have you got a question that you would like us to answer? Contact DMUactive on DMUactive@dmu.ac.uk.

Facebook: DMUactive
DMUsport are working to ensure all our activity operates in a Covid-19 safe way. Student leaders and coaches are up to date on all plans, and these will be announced on our web pages as soon as possible. Unfortunately plans have been impacted due to the recent Government announcements and we appreciate your patience as we translate these to our programmes as quickly as possible.

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If competitive sport isn't your thing, there are plenty of fun recreational sport and fitness opportunities that students can get involved with whilst studying at DMU. Recreational sport is a fantastic way to look after your wellbeing, help you to stay healthy, provides an opportunity to meet new people or try a new activity.

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The DMUactive Volunteering Academy offers a fantastic opportunity for students to volunteer alongside their studies and develop a range of skills that will boost their employability. As part of the academy, there are currently two roles that students can get involved with.
DMUactive Activator
The main role of a DMUactive Activator is to assist with the development and facilitation of the DMUactive programme for DMU student and staff members, by ensuring a smooth and positive delivery of weekly recreational sport sessions at the university.
Active League Activator
The main role of an Active League Activator is to assist with the organisation, coordination and officiating of the Active League (intra mural) fixtures that take place on a weekly basis throughout the academic year.

As the new academic year fast approaches, DMUsport are looking for 50 student volunteers to support the department with the delivery and coordination of De Montfort University's recreational sport and fitness programme, DMUactive. The department are looking to recruit 27 activators to run the weekly DMUactive sessions and then 23 activators to run the DMU Intra Mural leagues, known as Active Leagues.

By being an activator at DMU there are a number of amazing benefits that you will receive; this ranges from gaining free DMU coaching kit to being able to enhance your CV through developing a variety of skills such as leadership, organisation and how to work as a team. Also there will be the opportunity to attend role specific training and courses (e.g. coaching qualifications and referee courses). Please find the role descriptions and how to apply to become an activator below!

Any questions or queries in regards to the DMUactive activator recruitment process or if you just want more information about being an activator then please email DMUactive on DMUactive@dmu.ac.uk or call 0116 207 8140.

Application Deadline: 20th of September 2020
Badminton Activator Role Description/ Application Football (Outdoor) Activator Role Description/ Application Gymnastics (Stretching) Activator Role Description/ Application Indoor Football (Futsal) Activator Role Description/ Application Self-Defence Activator Role Description/ Application Table Tennis Activator Role Description/ Application Active 3x3 Basketball League Activator Role Description/ Application Active Football League Activator Role Description/ Application Active Futsal League Activator Role Description/ Application Active Indoor Cricket League Activator Role Description/ Application DMUsport are working to ensure all our activity operates in a Covid-19 safe way. Student leaders and coaches are up to date on all plans, and these will be announced on our web pages as soon as possible. Unfortunately plans have been impacted due to the recent Government announcements and we appreciate your patience as we translate these to our programmes as quickly as possible.

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The DMUactive Volunteering Academy offers a fantastic opportunity for students to volunteer alongside their studies and develop a range of skills that will boost their employability. As part of the academy, there are currently two roles that students can get involved with.

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Faculty Engagement Officers Presentation

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Smiling Mind Sleep Meditation: body scan

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Smiling Mind Sleep Meditation: body scan

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Smiling Mind  Sleep Meditation: Body Scan

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Smiling Mind Sleep Meditation: starry night

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Smiling Mind Sleep Meditation: starry night

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Explains insomnia and other sleep problems, giving practical suggestions for what you can do and where you can go for support.

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Disrupted sleep is a common side effect of depression. It can cause us to sleep too much or too little. Sometimes it can mean that we wake up during the night.

There are some things we can try to help improve our sleep patterns. However if poor sleep is significantly affecting our lives, it's something we should speak to our GP about.

Avoid Napping

When we're tired it can seem like a good idea to have a quick nap to try and get us through the rest of the day. As tempting it is, if we're struggling with our sleep patterns napping isn't always that helpful.

Naps can confuse our sleep schedules, stopping our bodies from developing normal sleep and wake times. If we have a slump during the day it's fine to sit down and chill for a bit - but if we can avoid sleeping until bedtime, we may sleep better at night.

Bedtime Routine

Having a relaxing bedtime routine and keeping it the same every night can help our bodies to know that it's bedtime. This could include things like having a warm bath or reading a book. Doing our 'get ready for bed' tasks in the same order every night can also help our bodies to know when it's time for bed.

Cut Out Caffeine

Cutting out caffeine, especially close to bedtime, can help us to sleep. Caffeine is a stimulant so it can stop us from sleeping. Sometimes we don't realise that there is caffeine in a drink. Most people know that tea and coffee contain caffeine but it's not such common knowledge that caffeine can be found in things like cola - or even chocolate. It's worth keeping an eye on what we're consuming to make sure caffeine isn't sneaking in unexpectedly.

Exercise

Exercising during the day can help us to sleep better at night. It can improve both sleep quality and sleep duration. However , exercising too close to bedtime can make it harder to sleep because it can over-stimulate the body . So, it's better to exercise early in the morning, or in the afternoon, rather than right before bed.

Fear of going to bed

If we struggle to sleep, we can develop a fear around going to bed. Being left alone with our thoughts can be distressing, so we begin to procrastinate going to bed. The more we avoid it, the scarier it can feel until we build up a genuine fear of bedtime.

Changing our night time routine a little bit can break through some of that fear. Working out where the fear lies and changing something in that area can help to improve things, too. It might take a little while to work out exactly what it is that is setting off our anxiety, but that's okay!

Discussing our fears with someone - a counsellor, a medical professional, or a trusted friend - can be useful, as they may be help us work out what's causing our anxiety, and what we might do to reduce it.

Keep Beds For Sleeping

Beds are comfy places and it's tempting to use them whilst doing things other than sleeping. Loads of us will bring our laptops to bed and sit under our duvet answering emails. Our bedrooms can feel like an escape from the rest of the house and we might retreat there to get things done.

But if we're struggling with our sleep, it can be helpful to find another comfy place in the house to do these things. Keeping our beds solely for winding down and sleeping, helps our brains to associate them with being asleep. If we work on our beds, our brains can get confused about whether we should be sleeping or working. This can make it much harder to wind down and sleep.

Light

It seems obvious that light can be a factor for how well we sleep at night, but we often forget that light during the day matters too.

At night, too much light can disrupt our sleep. If our curtains and blinds aren't enough when blocking out light, we could try blackout blinds or hanging blankets over existing curtains. We could also try taping newspaper over our windows or wearing an eye mask to bed.

During the day, we need to try and get some natural light. This helps to regulate our biological clock so that our bodies know to sleep at night.

Medication Timing

Some medications can cause drowsiness, some can stop us from sleeping.

Working out how our medication affects us can help us to use the side effects in our favour. If our medication is making us drowsy, taking it at night can help us to sleep. If it stops us sleeping, it's better to take it in the morning if possible.

Sometimes, our medication can cause us to wake up on a morning feeling completely wiped out. Taking it earlier on in an evening can help lesson those feelings. It can take a little bit of trial and error to work out which timings suit us best.

Phones

It's always tempting to fiddle around on our phone, especially if we can't sleep. It's easy to get sucked into a social media hole, and before we know it, it's been two hours and it's way past our bedtime. On top of that, the blue light from phones can mess with our natural sleep/wake rhythm, making it even harder to sleep.

Leaving our phone away from our bed, and out of temptation can help us to stop mindlessly scrolling. We could also try popping our phone on 'night mode', which changes the colour of light that our phones emit, helping to solve the blue light problem.

Rest

Even if we can't sleep, it's important that we try and rest. Our bodies get tired of powering us through life, and need a break. It's tempting to get on with our jobs late at night if we know we're likely to have trouble sleeping. If we do that every night we're likely to completely burn ourselves out.

If we can't sleep, we could try sitting or lying in bed relaxing. If doing nothing feels stressful, we could do something low energy. This could include things like reading, journalling or doing a chilled-out hobby like knitting.

Routine

Having similar bed times and wake times every day (including weekends), can be helpful. It's worth sticking to these times, even if we struggle to sleep. Going to bed and getting up at similar times every day can help to train our bodies that night time is sleep time.

Sleep Diary

Keeping a sleep diary can help us identify patterns and triggers involved in our sleep. Once we've identified the things that are helpful and unhelpful to us, we can work on improving things.

It could be something that we could look at with a friend, partner or healthcare professional. They might be able to identify triggers that we miss.

Sleepy Tea

Having a sleepy tea, such as one containing camomile in can help to get us off to sleep. If we're not a tea-drinker, we could try a warm, milky drink such as hot chocolate.

Sound

Some of us like to sleep in silence. Others find silence deafening. If we don't like silence, but find music at night too much, talk radio, podcasts or audiobooks can be a happy medium. There are some podcasts specifically designed to help people sleep, such as the sleep with me podcast .

Sometimes disrupted sleep can cause us to wake up during the night. When that happens, it can feel really scary because the whole world is dark and quiet and we can feel utterly alone. Leaving something running overnight can help us to feel less alone when we do wake up. It can help us to feel like we aren't the only person in the world.

Temperature

Being too hot or too cold can make sleep really difficult.

In the summer, cracking open a window or using a fan can help to cool things down. However, these can also be noisy which makes it hard to sleep. Having the window open and the fan on during the day, then turning them off at bedtime, can help to get around that. It can also help to close the blinds during the day to stop the sun from heating the room up.

In the winter it can get too cold. Having hot water bottles or heat packs, blankets, and electric blankets can help. It might also be worth using a higher tog duvet to use in the winter months. We could also invest in brushed cotton bedding which can feel warmer and cosier.

Utilise Apps

Some people find that apps can help with their sleep. There are tonnes of apps out there and each is slightly different. Sleep Cycle, Sleep Better, and Pillow are all examples of apps which can help us to track and improve our sleep.

Different apps will work for different people so if one doesn't work, it doesn't mean that they all won't. It can take a bit of time to find the right one.

Write It Down

Sometimes, we can't sleep because our brains are too full. There are too many things to remember, our 'to do list' is too long, or we're overthinking every social interaction we've had that day.

Pulling out a pen and paper, or creating a note on our phone and getting it all out of our heads can stop the thoughts from going round and round and help us to sleep.

Visit the GP

If we're struggling to sleep for an extended period of time, we might want to visit our GP. It might be that there is a physical problem preventing us from sleeping. Alternatively, they might be able to help us with medication. Sometimes, a short-term sleeping tablet is what we need to get our sleep back into a routine. Others of us might need longer-term sleeping medication. It will vary from person to person, but our GP can help us to find the right solution.

Be Kind To Yourself

Lack of sleep can muddy our brains and make it hard to think and to do things. We need to be kind to ourselves and not beat ourselves up if we can't get as much done as we would if we weren't so sleep deprived. Sleep is something that we can work on and improve, it might just take time and a little bit of help.
Please help us to help others and share this post, you never know who might need it.

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Depression: Coping With Disrupted Sleep - The Blurt Foundation

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Disrupted sleep is a common side effect of depression. It can cause us to sleep too much or too little. Sometimes it can mean that we wake up during the night. There are some things we can try to help improve our sleep patterns.

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Why is sleep important?

Sleep balances your mood and can make you happier: emotions are tempered and stripped away during sleep.

Lack of sleep can contribute to depression and other mental illnesses.

Sleep is essential for studying and learning: you need deep, slow-wave sleep to place what you've learned within your wider knowledge

Lack of sleep makes it difficult to concentrate and harder to remember what you've learned.

Sleep promotes creativity: rapid eye movement sleep helps us process information creatively.

Lack of sleep can reduce your ability to make connections between thoughts and ideas.

Sleep boosts your immune system: we produce more antibodies with a good night's sleep. Sleep well to combat Fresher's Flu!

Lack of sleep can increase blood pressure and stress hormones and depresses the immune system.

Learn more about how lack of sleep affects your brain and personality (The Conversation).

Sleeping tips

Make sure your bed and bedroom are comfortable - not too hot, not too cold, not too noisy.

Get some exercise. Do not overdo it, but try some regular swimming or walking. The best time to exercise is in the daytime and no later than early evening.

Take some time to relax properly before going to bed. Create a ritual: have a hot bath, make a herbal tea, read a non-work book.

If something is troubling you and there is nothing you can do about it right away, try writing it down. Tell yourself to deal with it tomorrow and shut it away.

Sleep only when sleepy. If you cannot sleep, get up and do something you find relaxing. Avoid lying in bed worrying about not sleeping.

Switch off to switch off: blue light from screens disrupts sleep rhythms. Avoid using computers, phones, or tablets late at night.

Only use your bed for sleeping. Try not to use your bed to work, use a computer or read academic texts.

Stop drinking tea or coffee by mid-afternoon. Caffeine hangs around in your body for many hours.

Don't drink too much alcohol. It may help you fall asleep, but you will almost certainly wake up during the night. Do not eat or drink a lot late at night.

If you have had a bad night, don't sleep in the next day as it will make it harder to get to sleep the following night.

Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Establish a regular time to have breakfast. Reinforce your biological rhythms.

Stress, anxiety and depression can all affect our sleeping patterns. In these cases the underlying condition needs to be treated. Please see our Advice A-Z on addressing these difficulties.

Medical issues

Many medical conditions can affect sleep patterns, including asthma, diabetes, iron deficiency, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy.

If you are falling asleep in the daytime even after a week or two of getting enough sleep at night, there may be a physical cause.

Consult your doctor if you think there might be an underlying issue.

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Sleep balances your mood and can make you happier: emotions are tempered and stripped away during sleep. Lack of sleep can contribute to depression and other mental illnesses. Sleep is essential for studying and learning: you need deep, slow-wave sleep to place what you've learned within your wider knowledge Lack of sleep makes it difficult to concentrate and harder to remember what you've learned.

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The Sleep Council

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Sleep. We all do it, but many of us don't do it well. A good night's rest is essential to a healthy existence, protecting you physically and mentally as well as boosting your quality of life. Unfortunately, many of us struggle to fall asleep, have bad dreams, can't wake up in the morning and then feel constantly tired!

Sleep plays a significant role in healing and repairing your heart and blood vessels. It helps us maintain a healthy weight and a good balance of hormones, as well as controlling sugar levels. In terms of mental health, a great night's sleep makes the brain work properly. It helps us to learn, remember, solve problems and make decisions, as well as safeguarding against stress, mood swings and depression. It's rather worrying that the majority of people don't sleep very well!

Fortunately, there are many practical ways to improve your sleeping habits. Find out our advice on sleep with the following seven steps.

If you're having trouble sleeping, one of the first things to consider is your bedroom. In order to get a restful night's sleep you need the right setting, which means a clean, peaceful and welcoming room. Many of us are unknowingly sleeping in a bedroom that's simply not fit for purpose, and that environment could be the key cause of a restless night.

Fortunately, it's relatively easy to transform your bedroom into a space that encourages a peaceful night's sleep. Here are our top tips:

When it's time for bed, make your room completely dark. This can be achieved with a blackout blind or curtains, an additional window dressing, or even an eye mask.

Maintain an ambient temperature in your room. If you're too hot or too cold, you won't sleep soundly. We recommend a cool temperature of around 16-18° C (60-65° F).

A tidy room makes for a tidy mind... and a restful night's sleep! De-clutter your bedroom and create a space that's clean, neat and simple. Even just relocating the laundry basket, stacking up some books or blitzing your bedside table can make a real difference.

Say no to technology in the bedroom! That means avoiding televisions and computers. Having access to these will urge you to switch on when you can't drift off, which in turn can lead to even more disturbed sleep.

LED displays are particularly troublesome when it comes to getting a good night's sleep. When it's time to snooze, switch off your mobile phone, tablet, and any alarm clocks with a digital display.

Avoid treating your bedroom like an extension of the rest of your house. That means you shouldn't use it for work, watching TV, eating, and even talking on the phone. Save the bedroom for sleep and sex.

Add special touches to the space, which will help you feel more connected and peaceful. Family photographs, plants, flowers and ornaments will help to create a room that's pleasant and relaxing.

Avoid using certain colours when decorating. Remember that bright reds, yellows and oranges are jarring, while browns and whites are boring and drab. Instead, choose soft, muted tones that will make you feel calm.

Certain smells can affect your mood, helping you to feel more calm and relaxed. Lavender and germanium are naturally calming, so invest in some essential oils to help you drift off. Remember, these should not be used in pregnancy or children's rooms.

Take the time to really consider your bedroom. Realise that you have a duty of care to yourself, and should therefore create a sleep area that's as effective as possible. Boost your wellbeing by making your bedroom more sleep-friendly - you're worth it! For more information, on how to create the perfect sleep environment, click here!

The foundation of a great night's sleep is a comfortable bed. The right mattress can make a huge difference between a restful and restless night, saving you from fatigue and irritability for the rest of the day. An unsupportive mattress will encourage a poor sleeping posture, which prevents you from good sleep. If you regularly wake up with aches and pains, it's probably time to change your mattress.

There's a huge amount of choice on the bed market, which can make selecting the right one difficult. It's always worth doing your research! Here are some of the factors you should consider when selecting the best bed for you:

Always put quality above price. Of course, there are some perfectly acceptable low-priced mattresses available, but when it comes to your bed, spend as much as you can afford.

The right support is crucial. If your bed is too hard or soft, it will be uncomfortable and unsupportive. Your mattress should be firm enough to support your spine in the correct alignment while conforming to your body's contours.

Always try before you buy! Lay down on each bed that you're seriously considering, spending a good 10-15 minutes realising its comfort and support levels. Try several different positions (we all move 40-60 times per night), and remember that if two people will be sleeping on this mattress, test it out together.

Avoid waiting until your bed has 'worn out' completely. Research shows that sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress can rob you of up to one hour's sleep per night, which adds up to a full night's sleep over the course of a week! You should consider changing your bed after seven years.

For more information on bed buying visit the National Bed Federation.

The 21st century lifestyle is typically fast paced, chaotic and jam-packed with technology. From the moment we wake up we switch on our brains with smart phones, and as our day progresses, we're presented with even more triggers. The continuous content that's fed from TV and radio, real time social feeds and our constant checking of emails all make for a non-stop stimulation... It's no wonder that many of us can't switch off or fall asleep, then struggle to wake up in the morning and spend a lot of time complaining "I can't sleep!"

There are simple ways to adjust your lifestyle to promote a better night's sleep. These minor changes will help you to wind down and relax, removing you from the hectic, technology-crammed world that we live in.

Reduce the intensity of artificial light in your home by using dimmer switches or low wattage bulbs.

Maintain a regular bedtime routine and sleep pattern.

Use a hot water bottle if you get cold.

Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine before bed.

Switch off your tech a couple of hours before bedtime - that includes your phone!

Empty your bladder before bed, and try not to consume too many liquids before you sleep.

Don't nap during the day.

Scientists have found a direct correlation between anxiety and rhythm of sleep. When a person is anxious, their heart rate increases, which causes the brain to 'race', too. An alert mind produces beta waves, making you far too stimulated to sleep. To make matters worse, an active brain triggers other worries, so it's even harder to achieve sleep.

Once this pattern sets in, bedtime can become a thing of anxiety. So how can you combat the stress of sleeping?

There are several techniques to banish anxiety and calm your heart rate. Cognitive behavioural therapy is one of them, helping people to 'unlearn' thought processes through psychological treatment.

You can also manage your heart rate by placing your hand on your heart and listen for the beating. Breathe in deeply for four seconds, and then breathe out slowly. Repeat this until you can feel your heart rate slowing, which in turn slows down your busy brain activity.

Eliminate your anxious thoughts by practising the speaking technique. This means voicing the thoughts that would otherwise live in your head. Speaking aloud overrides thinking, which stops your negative thoughts in their tracks. Practise by thinking the alphabet in your head, and when you reach 'J', start speaking out loud. What happened to the alphabet? Well, you stopped thinking it in your head, because speaking overrode those thoughts. Use this technique when you start worrying in bed: instead of thinking 'the mortgage is due and I don't have the money to pay it', say aloud 'we will find a way to pay the mortgage this month.'

They say you are what you eat, and when it comes to getting a restful night's sleep, the food and drink you consume has a drastic effect. The best foods for sleep include milk, cherries, chicken and rice, while fatty meat, curry and alcohol are some of the worst. Some people choose not to eat after 6pm, as late meals can make it difficult to sleep. However, if you are eating before bed, remember that there three main chemicals that promote good sleep: tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin. Here's how you can include them in your diet.

Tryptophan

All proteins involve amino acids, and tryptophan is one of them. It is, however, the rarest amino acid, but it can still be found in turkey and chicken, as well as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, peanuts and beans. Milk also involves a small amount of tryptophan. When this chemical reaches the brain, it converts into serotonin.

Serotonin

You may be most familiar with this sleep-promoting chemical, which is connected to drugs like Prozac. Serotonin carries messages between neurones and other cells, and when levels are decreased, individuals can feel anxious, depressed and crave carbohydrates. At night time, serotonin undergoes metabolic changes to become melatonin, the chemical that induces sleep.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that helps to regulate the body's circadian rhythm, promoting a restful sleep. The best way to ensure optimal melatonin production is to sleep in a dark environment. Even low amounts of light can suppress the production of melatonin, which not only affects sleep, but has other health consequences too.

We can offer plenty of dietary advice to help you sleep better:

* Always combine a protein food with a low to medium glycaemic index carbohydrate, which optimises tryptophan levels.
* Avoid stimulants like caffeine and cigarettes.
* Avoid sedatives, such as sleeping pills and alcohol, to help you sleep. They have short term benefits and long term counter effects, such as dependency.
* Don't buy melatonin supplements online. They are only available on prescription in the UK. Taking prescribed melatonin will disrupt your own natural melatonin production, potentially suppressing your ability to generate this important hormone.
* Don't stop taking sleep medication suddenly. The best course of action is to speak to a doctor and develop a strategy to slowly wean yourself off in a healthy manner.
* Changing your diet can help you sleep, but it takes time. Start a sleep diary to keep track of your progress, and don't give up if you see no sudden improvement - sleeping soundly takes practice!

Sports and exercise can help you to enjoy a better quality of sleep. Working out effectively can tire your body out gently, promoting a better night's sleep. Releasing pent up tension through exercise is also highly beneficial, helping to banish stress before bedtime. Exercising also lowers your body's temperature, which induces better sleep. However, there are several things to keep in mind when exercising to improve your sleeping habits.

* Don't overdo it. Contrary to popular belief, wearing yourself out physically is not likely to induce sleepiness. In fact, it can often be counter productive, leading to additional alertness when trying to sleep.
* It's believed that exercising close to bedtime can disturb sleep, however there is no evidence to back this argument. As such, exercising in the evening is much better than not exercising at all!
* When it comes to exercise, the most important thing is to feel fitter and healthier. If you are experiencing sleeping problems, try to exercise a little more or change the type of activities you do. Yoga is renowned for its relaxation and sleep benefits, while moderate-aerobic exercise like walking has been found to help people fall asleep more quickly.

Many of us lead stressful lives. Demanding jobs, long hours and active families all contribute to a hectic lifestyle, and that's not helped by the intense media that surrounds us. These elements make it very difficult to wind down, but fortunately there are a few relaxation techniques that can help promote a deep, restful sleep.
Relax Your Body
This method is best done in bed, though it can also be can be practiced throughout the day if you're in the right environment. By relaxing separate groups of muscles, you become more aware of your body and able to wind down mindfully.

1. Tense a muscle, for example your bicep, by contracting for 7-10 seconds. Flex it gently - do not strain.
2. At the same time, visualise the muscle being tensed, consciously feeling the build up of tension.
3. Release the muscle abruptly and then relax, allowing the body to go limp. Take a few moments before moving on to the next muscle.
4. Remember to keep the rest of your body relaxed whilst working on a particular muscle.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is commonly prescribed for depression, but clinical trials have shown it is the most effective long-term solution for insomniacs. CBT helps you identify the negative attitudes and beliefs that hinder your sleep, then replaces them with positive thoughts, effectively 'unlearning' the negative beliefs.

A typical exercise is to set aside 30 minutes per day, in which you do your day's worth of worrying. During this worry period you keep a diary of your worries and anxious thoughts, writing them down in order to reduce the weight in your mind. Once this task is complete, you are banned from worrying at any other point in the day.

Before you go to sleep, you can also write down the worries that you think may keep you awake. Once you are in bed with your eyes closed, you should imagine those thoughts floating away, leaving your mind free, peaceful, and ready to sleep.
Stimulus Control - The 20 Minute Rule
We should all go to bed when we're tired, but if you're not asleep after twenty minutes, it's recommended that you get up and find another activity to do. This should be quiet and peaceful, and not involve your phone or other digital displays. Listening to music, reading or doing yoga are all recommended as great 20 Minute Rule activities.

When you feel sleepy again, you should return to bed. The idea of this is method is to build a strong association between bed and sleeping, and eventually you'll be able to fall asleep quickly.
Sleep Restriction
This technique involves only spending the amount of time in bed that equates to the average number of hours that you sleep. For example, you might only get five hours of sleep per night, even though you spend seven hours in bed. By using the Sleep Restriction method, you limit yourself to only five hours in bed per night.

This technique might make you more tired at first, but it can help you fall asleep faster and wake up fewer times. However, it's not suitable if you're only getting a couple of hours sleep per night, and should be supervised by a qualified CBT Sleep Practitioner.

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Seven Steps To A Better Night's Sleep - The Sleep Council

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Sleep. We all do it, but many of us don't do it well. A good night's rest is essential to a healthy existence, protecting you physically and mentally as well as boosting your quality of life. Unfortunately, many of us struggle to fall asleep, have bad dreams, can't wake up in the morning and then feel constantly tired!

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NHS

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Insomnia means you regularly have problems sleeping. It usually gets better by changing your sleeping habits.

Check if you have insomnia

You have insomnia if you regularly:

find it hard to go to sleep

wake up several times during the night

lie awake at night

wake up early and cannot go back to sleep

still feel tired after waking up

find it hard to nap during the day even though you're tired

feel tired and irritable during the day

find it difficult to concentrate during the day because you're tired

If you have insomnia for a short time (less than 3 months) it's called short-term insomnia. Insomnia that lasts 3 months or longer is called long-term insomnia.

How much sleep you need

Everyone needs different amounts of sleep.

On average:

adults need 7 to 9 hours

children need 9 to 13 hours

toddlers and babies need 12 to 17 hours

You probably do not get enough sleep if you're constantly tired during the day.

What causes insomnia

The most common causes are:

stress, anxiety or depression

noise

a room that's too hot or cold

uncomfortable beds

alcohol, caffeine or nicotine

recreational drugs like cocaine or ecstasy

jet lag

shift work

Conditions and other things that can cause insomnia

Conditions and medicines that can cause insomnia:

Many medicines for these illnesses can also cause insomnia.

Things that keep you from getting a good night's sleep:

long-term pain

sleepwalking

snoring or interrupted breathing while sleeping (sleep apnoea)

suddenly falling asleep anywhere (narcolepsy)

nightmares or night terrors (children can have these)

How you can treat insomnia yourself

Insomnia usually gets better by changing your sleeping habits.

Do

go to bed and wake up at the same time every day

relax at least 1 hour before bed, for example, take a bath or read a book

make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet - use curtains, blinds, an eye mask or ear plugs if needed

exercise regularly during the day

make sure your mattress, pillows and covers are comfortable

How a pharmacist can help with insomnia

You can buy tablets or liquids (sometimes called sleeping aids) from a pharmacy that may help you sleep better.

Some contain natural ingredients (valerian or lavender) while others, like Nytol, are an antihistamine.

They cannot cure insomnia but may help you sleep better for 1 to 2 weeks. They should not be taken for any longer.

Some of these products can have side effects, for instance, they may make you drowsy. This could make it difficult for you to do certain things like drive.

Check with your doctor before taking anything for your sleep problems.

changing your sleeping habits has not worked

you have had trouble sleeping for months

your insomnia is affecting your daily life in a way that makes it hard for you to cope

Treatment from a GP

A GP will try to find out what's causing your insomnia so you get the right treatment.

Sometimes you'll be referred to a therapist for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

This can help you change the thoughts and behaviours that keep you from sleeping.

You may be referred to a sleep clinic if you have symptoms of another sleep disorder such as sleep apnoea.

GPs now rarely prescribe sleeping pills to treat insomnia. Sleeping pills can have serious side effects and you can become dependent on them.

Sleeping pills are only prescribed for a few days, or weeks at the most, if:

your insomnia is very bad

other treatments have not worked

Page last reviewed: 12 March 2021
Next review due: 12 March 2024

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Insomnia means you regularly have problems sleeping. It usually gets better by changing your sleeping habits.

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Resources to help mental health professionals treat insomnia / sleep problems, written by clinical psychologists at the Centre for Clinical Interventions in Perth, Western Australia.

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The Mental Health Handbook

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*Please Read*

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At DMU we're working hard to make sure that we can enjoy our campus safely when the next academic year begins. The health and wellbeing of our students and staff will always be our top priority so we're putting in measures to ensure university buildings and spaces are as safe as they can be and that we observe government guidelines. Here, you can find guidance on when, where, how and who should be wearing face coverings on campus. The UK Government and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have stated that face coverings are a key way to combat the spread of COVID-19 and help protect each other from infection.

Please wear a face covering if you can

To ensure that we are able to deliver a safe teaching and learning environment, and maximise the amount of on-campus interaction, you will be expected to wear a face covering during face-to-face teaching sessions whenever and wherever one-metre plus rules are in place. Spaces with a one-metre rule include classrooms, lecture theatres and the Library, and these spaces will have clear signs on the doors to signify a one-metre plus space. This is also in line with UK Government guidance on the use of face coverings indoors. We will be constantly monitoring the guidance and may need to amend our strategy accordingly. Please also follow the government guidance about how to wear a face covering safely.

We are also strongly encouraging the wider use of face coverings across campus in all enclosed indoor spaces to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The virus usually spreads by droplets from coughs, sneezes and speaking. These droplets can also be picked up from surfaces, if you touch a surface and then your face without washing your hands first. The latest scientific evidence is that, when used correctly, wearing a face covering can decrease the spread of coronavirus droplets in certain circumstances, helping to protect others. Combined with two-metre social distancing (wherever possible), regular hand hygiene, and covering coughs and sneezes, face coverings can be an important tactic in controlling the spread of the virus.

Over the past few months since the pandemic started, the community spirit and individual acts of kindness DMU staff and students have shown to support and look out for each other have been inspiring. So, we're appealing to everyone to continue to exercise our civic and moral responsibility to make sure our environment is as safe, inclusive and positive as possible by wearing a face covering if you are able.

Some people will be unable to wear face coverings

There will be some students and staff who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than others, and we need to be particularly mindful to respect their rights and dignity at this time. Some people will also for legitimate health or personal reasons be unable to wear a face covering.

Please be mindful and respectful of these circumstances and that the reasons for this may not be visible to others. Here are examples of exceptions to our guidance and rules on the need to wear a face covering:

If you have a certain physical or learning disability that impacts on your ability to wear a covering

If you would feel severe distress putting on, wearing or removing a face covering

If you are asked to remove your covering to support communication with those that rely on lip reading or facial expressions

If you have a health problem or condition that could be affected by wearing a face covering, for example, problems with your breathing.

People are not obliged to prove that they do not have to wear a face covering/mask, and we will be issuing further guidance soon to support those unable to wear such coverings on these webpages. It is important to note that not wearing a face covering because it is uncomfortable or inconvenient is not a legitimate exception to our guidance and rules.

DMU staff, whether they are in teaching or support service roles, can also be issued with, and asked to wear face shields/visors if they can to enable face-to-face interaction with students who need to lip read and understand in-person communications more easily.
Face covering exemption lanyards for students and staff who want them
The university and De Montfort Students' Union have worked together on creating two lanyard designs for those who cannot wear a face covering:

Our design has been inspired by the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower campaign and discreetly indicates to those around the wearer that there is a legitimate health or personal reason they may not be wearing a face covering.

If you are unable to wear a face covering, a lanyard (and/or a business card) to signify this, are available for any DMU student or staff member.

Students will be able to collect a lanyard by making an appointment via MyGateway.

If you are a staff member, you will need to let your line manager know that you would like a lanyard when you complete your Person Centred Questionnaire before returning to campus.

Two reusable masks for every DMU staff-member and student

All students and staff members will be provided with two reusable face coverings from the start of the new academic year. It is important that you always bring your face covering when you come to campus as it is your responsibility to protect yourself and others from the further transmission of COVID-19. Student access to face shields/visors issued by DMU for use in particular circumstances is also being explored and we will confirm our provision for this safety equipment soon.

Take a look at DMU's shared commitment to find out more about what you can expect from us and our expectations of our staff and students to make sure our university environment is safe and respectful.

You can also find out more information on the extensive health and safety measures we're implementing.

Students will be able to collect their two reusable masks on the following dates:

28 September, 2 and 6 October from 9am to 4pm

15, 19 and 22 October from 10am to 2pm

All you need to do is head to dedicated stands at the following campus locations and show your student ID:

Hugh Aston The Yard breakout space

Hawthorn lower ground floor student break out area

Campus Centre Building (near Coffee Hut)

Vijay Patel The Pod

We're still working on a safe, equitable and robust way to distribute these face coverings to staff so please keep a look out for more information on the Your life on campus page and other DMU communications channels.
Other personal protective equipment for face coverings
Please note that these guidelines are specifically in relation to combating and protecting against the spread of the COVID-19 virus and are not to be confused with, or seen as a replacement for, any personal protective equipment that may by required in undertaking high risk activities. These activities include work, study or research in laboratories where safety goggles will still be needed, or face screens and guards in engineering and design-related workshops. This is not an exhaustive list and further information will be provided as part of any health and safety induction in the use of these facilities.

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At DMU we're working hard to make sure that we can enjoy our campus safely when the next academic year begins. The health and wellbeing of our students and staff will always be our top priority so we're putting in measures to ensure university buildings and spaces are as safe as they can be and that we observe government guidelines.

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Information about DMU campus and Covid-19 safety guidance

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Your DMU Safety brings together all of DMU's Covid-19 related health and safety information, guidelines and updates into a single microsite. The health and safety of our students and staff is of paramount importance to us - please follow the guidance and instructions available here so you can enjoy our campus in a safe and secure way.

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Your DMU Safety brings together all of DMU's Covid-19 related health and safety information, guidelines and updates into a single microsite. The health and safety of our students and staff is of paramount importance to us - please follow the guidance and instructions available here so you can enjoy our campus in a safe and secure way.

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Most online services offer some safety features that can help you manage access to age-inappropriate content, report concerns or protect privacy.

It is a good idea to think about the sites and services your family uses, and check out which features these sites have that might be helpful for you. Talk to your children and make sure they know how to use the tools on the sites and services they use.

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Safety tools on social networks and other online services

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Most online services offer some safety features that can help you manage access to age-inappropriate content, report concerns or protect privacy. It is a good idea to think about the sites and services your family uses, and check out which features these sites have that might be helpful for you.

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All the latest BBC Bitesize content about healthy relationships.

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Leicestershire Police

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West Mercia Police

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Revenge porn, online abuse & the law

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Click here for a PDF guide to Revenge porn, online abuse and the law
What is revenge porn? When is it not revenge porn? Reporting revenge porn to the police What is online abuse? Online abuse: criminal offences Reporting online abuse to the police Protection in the civil courts from domestic abuse and harassment Domestic abuse: non-molestation orders Harassment injunctions Useful contacts
It is a criminal offence in England and Wales for someone to abuse you through the internet or social media. It is also a crime for someone to share private sexual photographs or films of you with other people, to cause you distress. This is sometimes called revenge porn. If you experience these kinds of abuse you can report them to the police. You may also be able to apply to the Family Court or the county court for protection. This legal guide is designed to give you information about the ways in which the law can protect you. Rights of Women provides a number of other legal guides that may be useful including Domestic violence injunctions and Harassment and the law.
What is revenge porn?
Revenge porn is when someone shows a private sexual photograph or film of you to another person or people, without your consent and with the intention of causing you distress. It is an offence whether they show someone, share it with others via social media, email or any other form of communication. It can also be an offence for another person to then re-share or re-post the private sexual image or film with others. Revenge porn is not the legal name for this offence but it is a term which is commonly used and understood.

A photograph or film is private if it shows something of a kind that is not ordinarily seen in public.

A photograph or film is sexual if it shows all or part of a person's exposed genitals or pubic area, or if a reasonable person would consider the photograph or video to be sexual because of its nature.

A person who is found guilty of an offence of sharing sexual or private photographs or videos without consent can be sentenced to up to two years in prison or fined, or both.
When is not revenge porn?
It is not revenge porn if someone shares a sexual or private photograph or video of you in order to prevent, detect or investigate a crime. So for example, someone might need to show a sexual photograph or video of you to the police to help them investigate a crime.

The law states that it is not revenge porn if the photograph or video is shared for the purposes of journalism. For example, a private photograph of you could be published in a newspaper as part of a news story if the person who shared the photograph reasonably believed it was in the public interest.

The law also states that it is not an offence for someone to share a photograph or video of you if they believed that it had already been shared or published, with your consent and that you had been paid. For example, if there is a photograph of you on a pornographic website, someone might see it and assume you have consented to it being posted and been paid for the photo. They might then share it with someone else. That is not an offence. However if the person who originally posted the image did so without your consent, they may be guilty of an offence.
Reporting revenge porn to the police
If someone has shared a private sexual photograph or video of you without your consent you can report this to the police. In an emergency you can contact the police for assistance by dialling 999. The police may be able to attend the scene of the incident to protect you from further abuse and arrest your abuser. In non-emergencies you can contact the police by dialling 101. See our legal guide Reporting an offence to the police: a guide to criminal investigations which provides more information on reporting an offence to the police, providing a statement, and the police investigation process.
What is online abuse?
Online abuse is any abusive behaviour which happens over the internet. It is not a legal term and it may include many different types of behaviour. The law should protect you from abuse whether it happens over the internet, face to face, via telephone or by any other means of communication. If someone is abusing you online, they may be guilty of a criminal offence. There are a number of criminal offences which can be committed online and which you can report to the police. You can also seek protection from further abuse by applying to the court for an injunction. An injunction is a court order which can forbid your abuser from doing certain things such as contacting you, threatening you or posting things about you online.
Online abuse: criminal offences
The following types of behaviour are criminal offences which commonly happen online as well as offline. If you experience any of these types of behaviour you can report them to the police. Remember to take screenshots (photographs) or copies of the abusive messages or posts:

Threats to kill and threats of violence - it is a criminal offence for someone to threaten to harm or kill you or put you in fear of violence. It is an offence whether these threats happen online, through social media, text message, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Twitter or through any other means of communication. You can report any such threats to the police

Harassment - this is when a person behaves in a way which is intended to cause you distress or alarm. The behaviour must have happened on more than one occasion and could include incidents of online abuse, text messages, phone calls, vandalism, violence or any other harassing behaviour. Harassment is a criminal offence and you can report it to the police. For more information see our legal guide Harassment and the law

Coercive control - this is when a person with whom you are personally connected repeatedly behaves in a way which makes you feel controlled, dependent, isolated or scared. This behaviour may include online abuse and it may include monitoring your activities online. If you think you may be experiencing coercive control and to find out whether you are personally connected to your abuser, see our legal guide Coercive control and the law

Malicious communications - it is an offence for someone to send you a message or email that is grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing. It is also an offence if someone sends messages that they know are false (untrue) or repeatedly contacts you by telephone in order to annoy you or make you anxious. You can report this behaviour to the police

Blackmail - it is a criminal offence for someone to blackmail you and if someone is blackmailing you, you can report it to the police. Blackmail is when someone makes unwarranted (unjustified) demands of you with threats in order to get something from you or to cause you loss. The maximum sentence for blackmail is up to 14 years in prison. It may also be an offence of blackmail if someone uses intimate images of you to threaten you and make you participate in sexual activity, which is sometimes called webcam blackmail.

Stalking - stalking is when someone says or does two or more things which make you fear that violence will be used against you or which causes you alarm or distress and has a serious impact on your usual day-to-day activities. It is common for stalking to occur online. Stalking is a criminal offence. If you are being stalked and you decide to report what has been happening to the police, it is a good idea to provide the police with a completed stalking risk checklist which can be found on the National Stalking Helpline website: www.stalkinghelpline.org

Reporting online abuse to the police
If you experience abuse online you can report it to the police.

Remember to take screen shots or print hard copies of the abusive posts or messages to show to the police. Your abuser may later delete their messages or posts so your screen shots may be very important evidence.

In an emergency you can contact the police for assistance by dialling 999. The police may be able to attend the scene of the incident to protect you from further abuse and arrest your abuser. In non-emergencies you can contact the police by dialling 101. See our legal guide Reporting an offence to the police: a guide to criminal investigations which provides more information on reporting an offence to the police, providing a statement, and the police investigation process. For other support and protection see Useful contacts at the end of this guide.
Protection in the civil courts from domestic abuse and harassment
If the online abuse that you are experiencing is part of a pattern of abusive or harassing behaviour, you may wish to seek an injunction from the court. An injunction is a court order which can forbid your abuser from doing certain things such as being physically violent, contacting you directly or indirectly (by making someone else contact you) or going to your home address, place of work or children's school.

Depending on your relationship with your abuser you can apply for an injunction under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 or the Family Law Act 1996.
Domestic abuse: non-molestation orders
If you are associated to your abuser you can apply to the Family Court for a domestic violence injunction called a non-molestation order. This application is free to make. You can either make the application yourself or you can instruct a lawyer to make the application for you. If you instruct a lawyer you may be eligible for legal aid to cover your legal fees. If your application is successful the court can make an order directing your abuser not to contact you or harass you again. If your abuser breaches (disobeys) the order it is a criminal offence and you can report the breach to the police.

You are associated to your abuser if you and your abuser:

Are or were ever married, engaged or in a civil partnership

Are or were living together (including as flatmates, partners, relations, but not if your abuser is your landlord, tenant, lodger, employer or employee)

Are relatives, including: parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews or first cousins (whether by blood, marriage, civil partnership or cohabitation)

Have a child together or have or had parental responsibility for the same child

Are or were in an intimate personal relationship of significant duration

For more information see our legal guide Domestic violence injunctions.
Harassment injunctions
If you are not associated to your abuser (see above) then you may still be able to obtain protection from the online harassment and abuse you are experiencing. You can apply to the court for an injunction against any person who has harassed or stalked you or put you in fear of violence by deliberately causing you distress on two or more occasions. This is different from a restraining order which can be made by the criminal court. This is an injunction that you apply for yourself in the county court. The injunction can prohibit your abuser from behaving in a certain way including contacting you, threatening you, or posting things about you online. To find out more about how to apply for a harassment injunction see our legal guide Harassment and the law.
The law is complex and may have changed since this guide was produced. This guide is designed to provide general information only for the law in England and Wales. You should seek up-to-date, independent legal advice. Rights of Women does not accept responsibility for any reliance placed on the legal information contained in this guide. © Rights of Women September 2016
For free, confidential, legal advice contact our advice lines
Useful contacts
Police (emergency) - 999

24 hour domestic violence helpline - 0808 200 0247 - www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk

National Stalking Helpline - 0808 802 0300 - www.stalkinghelpline.org

Revenge Porn Helpline - 0845 6000 459 - www.revengepornhelpline.org.uk

Stop Online Abuse - www.stoponlineabuse.org.uk

The Law Society - 0207 320 5650 - www.lawsociety.org.uk/find-a-solicitor

Ministry of Justice - 020 3334 3555 - www.find-legal-advice.justice.gov.uk

Citizens Advice - www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/getadvice.htm

Law Centres Network - 020 7749 9120 - www.lawcentres.org.uk

Law Works Clinic Network - www.lawworks.org.uk

Bar Pro Bono Unit - www.barprobono.org.uk

Personal Support Unit - 020 7947 7701 - www.thepsu.org

Disability Law Service - 020 7791 9800 - www.dls.org.uk

Tell us what you think of our legal information here

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Revenge porn, online abuse and the law - Rights of Women

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Click here for a PDF guide to Revenge porn, online abuse and the law What is revenge porn? When is it not revenge porn? Reporting revenge porn to the police What is online abuse? Online abuse: criminal offences Reporting online abuse to the police Protection in the civil courts from domestic abuse and ...

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How can we help you?

We are a UK service supporting adults (aged 18+) who are experiencing intimate image abuse, also known as, revenge porn.

The Revenge Porn Helpline was established in 2015 alongside the legislation which made it an offence to share intimate images or videos of someone, either on or offline, without their consent. The Helpline is run by a small team of passionate and motivated individuals who are here and ready to help.
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What is intimate image abuse?
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What is intimate image abuse?

Intimate image abuse can include the behaviours of:

Sharing intimate images, either on or offline, without their consent.

Threatening to share intimate images.

Taking an intimate image without knowledge or consent.

Intimate image abuse can also be referred to as 'revenge porn', non-consensual pornography or image-based sexual abuse.

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What issues can we help with?
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What issues can we help with?

The main areas we can help with are:

Intimate images shared without consent

Threats to share intimate images

Images recorded without consent (Voyeurism)

Webcam blackmail (Sextortion)

Upskirting

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What we can't help with
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What we can't help with

We cannot help anyone under the age of 18

We cannot support people from outside of the UK.

We do not have the capacity to provide long term counselling to our clients

We cannot undertake criminal investigations or report to the police on the victim's behalf

Please find more information on who can help when we can't here.
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Designed and Developed by South West Grid for Learning (http://swgfl.org.uk/)

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Revenge Porn Helpline - 0345 6000 459 | Revenge Porn Helpline

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The Revenge Porn Helpline supports all adult victims of intimate image abuse living in the UK. You can get in touch for free, confidential help and support.

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Free advice for revenge porn victims

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Our role is not to act as a general helpline, but to provide legal support to those who feel they have been a victim of someone sharing and publishing intimate images without their consent. If additional emotional support is required, we are able to provide details of organisations that can offer this.

Our aims are:

1. To make free legal advice as available as possible

2. To help our clients understand the legal implications of the situation

3. To inform our clients of the legal remedies for the act against them

4. To support those who have been called to court to give evidence

5. To provide our clients with all their possible options so they can make an informed decision.

The uploading of intimate still or moving photography, without consent, is becoming an ever-increasing problem. We are committed to offering a confidential and sensitive environment for victims of revenge porn who are seeking free legal advice. Our team are specifically trained on the developing law in this area, as well as to the sensitivities of those who need our help.

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sharing and publication of images to embarrass

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Our role is not to act as a general helpline, but to provide legal support to those who feel they have been a victim of someone sharing and publishing intimate images without their consent. If additional emotional support is required, we are able to provide details of organisations that can offer this.

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Victims of Internet Crime - support site

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News Fakeporn, image based abuse, Law, Non Consensual, Nude, Revenge Porn, Sexual Images, support, uk government, Upskirting, victims

Image-based sexual abuse thrives on myths.

Myths about motives. Myths about victims. Myths about political, legal and institutional responses.

It's only a picture, you can move on ... myth!

It's all illegal now anyway ... myth!

All you need to do is report it to the police and the picture will be taken down ... myth!

Our report - Shattering Myths and Lives: A Report on Image-Based Sexual Abuse - drawing on 25 interviews with victim-survivors of image-based sexual abuse concentrates on the reality of this pernicious form of sexual abuse.

Image-based sexual abuse shatters lives. A significant numbers of victim-survivors experience profound 'social rupture' - a major devastation that drastically alters all aspects of their lives. Take, Anna (not her real name), for example:

"My whole world just crumbled ... I'm nowhere near the person I once was. That's gone and it's rebuilding a new part of me now ... It's torture for your soul, it really is"

Victim-survivors spoke of abuse that is constant, ongoing and relentless; that shatters not only their lives, but also the lives of those who love and support them.

And yet, the Government is proposing to wait at least three years - that is until 2022 - before making changes to the law that we know now would make a dramatic difference to victim-survivors. Such as extending the law to cover so-called 'fakeporn' and threats to distribute nude or sexual images without consent, to provide all victim-survivors with automatic anonymity, to provide victim-survivors, and those supporting them, with resources and support to enable them to provide bespoke technical and long-term emotional support.

ACTION IS NEEDED NOW

To provide victim-survivors with increased protections, access to justice, adequate support and to prevent further lives from being shattered by this devastating form of abuse. And if the Government truly understands this, it will take action now to correct the most egregious gaps in the law, and increase support for victim-survivors.

Read the full report here

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As I begin to write this, I'm exactly 4 weeks away from the anniversary date of a premeditated internet revenge act, an act that was targeted toward me by a group of sick individuals - who felt they had the right to expose personal aspects of what was then a deeply troubled life.

What started off as a 'chemsex hook up' turned into a hellish nightmare, that still affects my life today and has taken close to 4 years to recover from. Both the recovery and rebuilding processes are still ongoing, and as part of that process I've decided to write my story for VOIC. This is the first time that I've publicly spoken out about that incident, and whilst I understand more about it now, I know that the journey has only just begun and further difficult times and discoveries await.

In retrospect I wish I had listened to that voice inside my head, that was trying to scream "get the hell out of there" but I wanted to lose myself in a world of meaningless sex and escape the hurt and pain that I felt at the time. I had lost my sense of self preservation, respect and survival.

To put my story into context, and for the first time in my life, I need to take ownership of an addiction to Crystal Meth. An addiction that developed over a number of years on the gay party circuit. There were times when I naively thought that I had it under control, some of those times were during an 8-year relationship. For those times where I failed, life for my partner would have been tough to say the least, and as I look back over those years I take a personal responsibility for the pain that was endured. You must be ready to admit an addiction issue, and whilst I was hugely ashamed of it, I couldn't bring myself to look at it closely enough in order to change it.

I was unaware that, during our turbulent time together, my partner was betraying my trust and indiscreetly going to pre-arranged sex parties - predominately but not limited to South London, where we spent a number of years living together. We both had interests in the gay fetish scene, which is how our relationship started. Over time, and through his own selfish wants and desires, my private struggles with Meth addiction were becoming widely known to people within that community. He was effectively using my issues, as an excuse for his own behaviour.

Several things are important here, the perpetrators who were involved in my 'chemsex setup' knew exactly who I was.... they also knew (through prior sexual interaction) my ex-partner. They had heard his stories, and thought it was time "someone taught me a lesson".

For the want of a better phrase, they had appointed themselves as both 'judge and juror'. At no point did they stop to consider the effect their actions would have on my life, career or family. Their minds were and are, too sick and warped, to even have a basic notion or care.

Their aim then was to webcam stream (without my knowledge or consent) an act of drug taking called 'slamming'. A crude term for IV injection, used within the gay party scene. That aim was achieved in a flat in North London during 2016. Within minutes and seconds, it was streamed across a hardcore gay website, notoriously known for the darker side of fetish sex. Continue reading My Story Joins Your Story - Let's Change the Game Forever Together - David Canham

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I wrote this a few months ago and thought I would share it. The emotions are real!

Calming voices talk to me at night, when my eyes are closed I wander to a place where I no longer feel alone.

I stumble upon a pasture that was once green with life, whittling away dying from the cause of mindless people. You know, those people that make the world seem such a cruel place.

As I knelt amongst the pasture, I lay my head and cried because I also felt like I was whittling away and dying. I became slumped in a place where life seemed to be dark and lonely.

I close my eyes and the calming voices appear once again. I listen intentively and start to write mental notes but the tears kept on coming. The calming voices became louder to a volume where I had no choice but to listen.

Dried up tears turn to smiles and as I open my eyes and inhale, the pasture that was once whittling and dying now green with life and purpose, I no longer feel alone.

I feel safe but now know that the pasture and I have commonality and that time, patience, empathy, love and compassion will enable trust to build as the bond grows stronger.

Those calming voices I heard when my eyes closed at night and started to get louder until i had no choice but to listen, no longer just happened at night; they became my reality and I no longer feel alone

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Let's set the record straight

Its time for a reality check and an insight into the reality of what is politically referred to as 'Revenge Pornography'!

I can tell you first hand that the evil that was done to me was just spineless, a cruel calculated act of jealousy, done by a person that allows their emotions to control their reality, callous and vindictive it is; the way some people think they can control another person in a way that causes distress on a different level.

Well look at it this way; according to the dictionary ' Revenge' means: The action of hurting or harming someone in return for an injury or wronged suffered at their hands. 'Pornography' means: Printed or visual material containing the explicit description or display of sexual organs or activity intended to stimulate sexual excitement.

So the political incorrect term of those labelled as victims of revenge pornography in essence; refers to victims who have been hurt or harmed by someone who feels they have been wronged; so they share explicit printed or visual material that display sexual organs or sexual activity to stimulate sexual excitement.

Is this sexual excitement for the perpetrator? Sexual excitement for the victim or sexual excitement for anyone that happens to come across it?

Slightly misleading don't you think? Professor Clare McGlynn has written a brilliant article that clearly states why the name should be changed to reflect the crime.

After all abuse whether its on or offline is ABUSE!

not-revenge-porn-but-abuse-lets-call-it-image-based-sexual-abuse-by-mcglynnclare-erikarackley
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Finally for the first time in 4 years I can honestly say I don't feel alone on this journey. Its been a struggle but perseverance has been key.

VOIC now has a Facebook Group of victims that provide peer to peer support. If you are out there with no one to talk to and no one understands then why not join our group.

It's a safe closed space and no one will judge you. Reach out and connect and don't suffer alone. Just click on the poster to find our group.

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The moment you walk into a room, you feel exposed but you feel safe!

Today Saturday 13 May 2017, I felt like a huge bolder had been removed from my shoulders; a knott removed from the blades between my neck and my arms, that feeling of an object being stuck in your throat and you cough or swallow and it disappears. That's how I felt during and after the Digital Online Abuse - A Collaboration between Activists, Victims and Artists.

At last! I am surrounded by energetic souls empowered to make a change, buzzing with energy and exhuberated creativity that filled the whole room. I smiled, I was energised and my spirit alive. It has been a long journey - one that has taken 3 years in the making, to sit in a room of souls and listen to how there experience was similar to mine; a room full of empathy and understanding. We had a common objective and a common understanding and all without judgement. Ears intentively listening, eyebrows raised we all absorbed the energy that surrounded the table.

At last! I feel I have done what I originally set out to do. To make a difference, to empower others to take control and take ownership to self empower, find self worth and motivation to make a change. We shared, we laughed, we cried - so much absorbed energy that I feel overwhelmed but very emotionally drained. We discussed common experiences, common understanding, we debated, we changed perceptions, we ate together and we talked about intimate things, like the vagina, the difference between male and female experiences, how we are all individuals that share commonality. I felt safe, i felt loved, i felt inspired!

Image Based Sexual Abuse (IBSA)/Non-Consensual Image sharing was most definitely the subject of the day; the reason for the collaborative artistical entwinement of ideas that I know will provide that place for healing through a collective creative approach. Im buzzing and ready for the next step.....!

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Have you been a victim of Image Based Sexual Abuse aka Revenge Porn?

As a survivor and having directly been affected by this, I am putting myself out there!

Over the last 2 years I have worked tirelessly to help victims take back their power and learn how to take control of the impact this crime has. Its abuse and shouldn't be tolerated. Let us stand together and make a difference, let us heal together and share our journeys. I know that it isn't easy to 'stand up and speak out' about being abused - trust me it was a decision I didn't make lightly but I feel so much better for doing so.

Working in collaboration with Sarah, an artist/activist I am taking part in the 'Digital Abuse' project - which is a collaborative effort between artists and activists that uses education, empowerment and visibility to facilitate discussion, raise awareness and combat public perception of Image Based Sexual Abuse and the treatment of women online.

There are many ways in which you can speak out about your trauma! You don't have to use words. Here is one of my journey photographs that I did with See It From Her - Survivors Project in 2016.

We are hoping that you are also ready to share your journey, share the burden and release some of that stigma that comes with being a victim of abuse. We encourage you to join us in a united front. If you are ready to share and take back your power and would like to make a difference, come along to our creative workshop on the 13th and 14th of May.

Continue reading Digital Abuse: A Collaboration Between Artists & Activists

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Events

How Powerful Would It Be !

If we could all speak out verbally about the way we feel, the hurt we have gone through, the trauma being abused brings and the betrayal that you feel, knowing you let someone do this to you! Imagine, there are many victims who want to speak out but don't know how; to find the courage, the belief or the strength to do so.
'How powerful would it be if we could all speak out verbally'
I dedicate this post to those victims, that cannot express themselves verbally like I do. For those who are struggling, to 'live happy lives' because the affects of image based sexual abuse, has 'stripped their spiritual soul' and they have been thrown into a world of depression, unworthiness, disgust, fear, anger, disgrace and despair.

Again - I find myself impelled to get involved in things that i feel would benefit others; that will support my cause and my worth as a human being, trying to make a difference. Continue reading Expressive Art - A Photo Captures A Thousand Words

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"Kim K posted them and got both praise and critique, starting a huge feminist debate that hung around the internet for several days. Chelsea Handler posted one to celebrate Reese Witherspoon's birthday. It seems to be a accepted to be naked on the internet".

Unless that decision was made by somebody else for you. Unless that picture was meant for one person's eyes only. Unless that photo has been used against you.

In August 2015, I found out that I was a victim of what is most commonly known as 'Revenge Porn'. If you're not sure what it is let me introduce you to one of the worst corners of the internet; 'Revenge Porn' is the sharing and publicizing of images with the intention to embarrass. Most commonly it is the act of a former partner who sees fit to share your images that you never thought in your scariest nightmares would be shared.

My experience with it was not how the usual 'Revenge Porn' occurrence. I may have found out about it in 2015 but it had started 3 years prior. My friend had texted me a screenshot of a Twitter account with my pictures all over it - yet it was not mine. The account had several links in the bio for a lot of photo-driven social media websites, all with my first name and my personal photos. Not only did social media have my photos but also some of the most disgusting porn sites I have ever seen. I was everywhere.

Going through the images was tough - I couldn't bare to see anymore of them on anymore websites, but I had to keep going in order to gather evidence for my case officer.

Continue reading Naked Selfies Are Everywhere - By Lauren

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I agree that victims should be given a choice whether to remain anonymous or be seen in the public eye

15 December 2015

Victims of "revenge porn" should be given the same anonymity as victims of other sexual offences, campaigners say. A petition urging a change in law has been launched by the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, Julia Mulligan, and a revenge-porn victim. Keeley Richards-Shaw, whose ex-boyfriend was the first sentenced under the revenge-porn law, said media coverage had increased her distress.

The Ministry of Justice said judges had discretionary powers to withhold names. Sharing revenge-porn images and videos became a crime in England and Wales in February, but the law currently gives victims no right to anonymity.

Mrs Mulligan and Ms Richards-Shaw have written to Justice Secretary Michael Gove and the chairman of the Justice Select Committee, Bob O'Neill, requesting meetings on the issue. They have also launched an online petition called Change the Law: No More Naming of Revenge Porn Victims.

'From bad to worse'

Ms Richards-Shaw told the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme she had become involved in the campaign after her ex-boyfriend shared intimate photos he had taken without her knowledge. He was prosecuted and given a suspended jail sentence.

She said a change in law was crucial to help victims "keep their personal life personal".

During the court case, she had told just very close family - but the day before he was to be sentenced, she received a text message saying the press were planning to cover the story .

"It just went from bad to worse," she said. "My picture, my name, my job, they'd gone on my Facebook page and published that, they were waiting for me outside court, I had them at my doorstep the next morning. It was horrible - I had gone from being stalked by him to being stalked by the media."

Mrs Mulligan said there was a loophole, as "revenge porn" seemed to have been categorised as a domestic abuse offence as opposed to a sexual offence.

"If you looked at it in the sexual offences category when the law was being passed, then they may have thought about anonymity.

"We really want ministers to listen to what Keeley has to say and to change the law."

She added that some of the media had said they would not publish victims' names, but this was not automatic.

'Not tolerated'

The law classes "revenge porn" as "photographs or films which show people engaged in sexual activity or depicted in a sexual way or with their genitals exposed, where what is shown would not usually be seen in public".

It covers images shared on and offline without the subject's permission and with the intent to cause harm. Physical distribution of images is also covered. A Ministry of Justice official said: "Revenge porn is an abuse of trust that can leave people feeling humiliated and degraded.

"By making it a specific offence, we have sent a clear message that this crime will not be tolerated and we have already seen an increase in the number of people coming forward.

"It is vital that victims have the confidence to report cases. That is why judges have discretionary powers to prohibit the naming of victims if identification would affect the case and cause undue fear or distress."

Continue reading Call for 'revenge porn' victims to be kept anonymous - My Thoughts

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VOIC.org.uk - Victims Of Internet Crime: Speak Out!

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News Fakeporn, image based abuse, Law, Non Consensual, Nude, Revenge Porn, Sexual Images, support, uk government, Upskirting, victims Image-based sexual abuse thrives on myths. Myths about motives. Myths about victims. Myths about political, legal and institutional responses. It's only a picture, you can move on ... myth! It's all illegal now anyway ...

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Social media, young people & mental health

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Mandala Project and Outside services links 

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Mandala Project and Outside services links 

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De Montfort University (DMU), Leicester, UK offers a whole range of undergraduate, postgraduate and research courses. View our courses, book a visit and more

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De Montfort Students' Union offers you free, confidential sexual health services during your time at DMU.

C-cards are available from DSU reception. A C-card allows the bearer to obtain free condoms and lubricant from reception during our opening hours.

Registration takes about 10 minutes. You will be asked a few simple questions such as your age and address. All the information is kept confidential.
https://www.leicestersexualhealth.nhs.uk/
The CHOICES team consists of dedicated professionals with a passion for supporting young people through their sexual health journey.

Choices runs on Thursdays 10 - 12:30 in term time. This is via a drop in available through DSU Reception.

Please be aware that this is a well used service and there is the possibility that the wait time to be seen could be lengthly.

Choices will provide:

Provision of prescribed hormonal contraceptives including LARC methods

Sexual health testing including Chlamydia screening and treatment

Emergency contraception

Pregnancy tests

Positive links with local services, health partners, school nurses and the college team supports the CHOICES provision.

When the Choices clinic is not running, help and advice can be obtained via Choices Website

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De Montfort Students' Union offers you free, confidential sexual health services during your time at DMU. C-cards are available from DSU reception. A C-card allows the bearer to obtain free condoms and lubricant from reception during our opening hours. Registration takes about 10 minutes.

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from Relate