We have watched with dismay the news about the catastrophic earthquake in Morocco and the distress, loss of life and homelessness that this has caused. Our thoughts are with all our Moroccan students, staff and alumni and those of you with family and friends affected by this disaster. We feel for your anxiety and distress and are holding you in our hearts.
If you have been affected by this disaster, please know that there are a number of ways in which King’s can offer support:
How we are supporting students
Our Faculty Wellbeing Advisors are contacting students with nationality and registered domicile of Morocco to offer support and will connect with faculty colleagues where students respond identifying specific needs.
Support for staff and students
The King’s community can be a real source of comfort and strength to one another in times of fear and loss.
The chaplains across the King’s campuses are there for students and staff of all faiths and none, and are experienced at walking with people who are experiencing grief and anxiety. They can be contacted at chaplaincy@kcl.ac.uk.
Counselling support is also available to our students. Students can speak to the King’s Counselling & Mental Health Support Service which offers free and confidential in-person and online support as well as King’s Counselling Online service. Students may also like to connect with their peers through KCLSU.
Our staff may want to talk to a trusted colleague or manager, and our independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) can be contacted by phone or email.
Agencies offering aid
Some of you have expressed concern and asked what you can do to support the communities affected by the devastating earthquakes. If you feel moved, and are able, to offer financial help to people in the affected regions, donations can be made through the Red Cross appeal. We will offer more opportunities for giving as they become available.
Travel advice
If you are planning to travel overseas or are returning to the UK, please check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website and follow the guidance in place for the country you are travelling to and from. Please make sure you follow the university guidance for business or study travel.
Again, let me say that our students and staff affected by this disaster are on our minds and in our hearts during this difficult time. Please do reach out to one another and to the wider community for care and support.
With best wishes,
The Reverend Dr Ellen Clark-King
Dean of King’s College London