Race and racial discrimination
The staff at the Centre for Wellbeing are committed to supporting all students at the University, and are committed to providing an inclusive and safe space.
Race and racial discrimination
At the Centre for Wellbeing (CWB) we recognise the challenges faced by many students of colour and those from diverse minority backgrounds. With 38% of the student body at Surrey University either from overseas or identifying differently from the dominant culture, the wellbeing team welcome the opportunity to provide specific support especially in matters of racial discrimination, harassment, overt racism or microaggressions.
The counselling team are very much aware of the existence prejudicial attitudes that can seep into university life. This can be a painful experience for many, leading to mistrust, isolation and a negative impact on mental health and academic progression.
Within the CWB we promote an environment that supports students and staff who feel let down either by unacceptable behaviour of peers, staff members members or systemic practices.
A program of broadening the diversity in staff recruitment ensures that members of the counselling team are at hand to provide a safe haven for students to express issues they face without the anxiety of rejection or dismissal.
The Wellbeing team works closely alongside the Student Union and Student Success Team to ensure that barriers to inclusion are challenged, influencing positive change and outcomes in all aspects of life on campus and where students are working on placement.
The CWB also support events throughout the academic year that celebrate and raise awareness of excellence achieved by students from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
If you would like to speak specifically to a counsellor from a BAME background, on matters of discrimination or racial injustice please contact the Centre for Wellbeing at centreforwellbeing@surrey.ac.uk or +44 (0) 1483 689 498
Meet Steve - our Centre for Wellbeing EDI lead
Steve Elliott is the EDI lead at the Centre for Wellbeing, with responsibility for matters of race harassment and racial discrimination. He is also one of the counsellors within the Centre for Wellbeing.