We recognise that some members of our community, as well as their friends or families, may be directly impacted by this ruling. The University remains committed to providing an inclusive, fair and respectful culture for our staff and students. If you have any concerns or worries, we would encourage you to seek support. Details of the support available to staff and students at the University, as well as national helplines and services, can be found below.
Please note that some of our University services may be limited during the Easter period.
National helplines and services
- Switchboard – a national LGBTQIA+ support line available to speak to online or on the phone.
- Mindline Trans+ - Emotional and mental health support helpline for anyone identifying as trans, non-binary, gender variant, and their families, friends, colleagues and carers. Call 0300 330 5468 or visit their website.
- Spectra - services delivered by people of trans experience themselves in a friendly, safe, confidential, non-judgemental and accessible space. Services include online social group meetings where people who identify themselves on the trans and non-binary spectrum can meet and engage like-minded individuals to explore, discuss and support each other in a safe, welcoming space.
- Mermaids – support for trans and gender-diverse young people and their families, including a webchat for gender diverse students aged 18-25.
Trans and Non-binary Support and Advice Service: 1 to 1 support sessions at the University
This service is led by Lisa Vine, an LGBT+ advocate, consultant and trainer based in Loughborough, who is also a Loughborough University alumna and previous Chair of Loughborough Student Union's LGBT+ Association.
A confidential and safe space, these drop-in sessions offer support and advice for transgender and non-binary students and staff as well as those questioning their gender identity. It provides a space and time, as well as a friendly face and a listening ear, for members of our University community to access support and advice in a way that is right for them. We offer drop-in sessions every Wednesday afternoon (term-time only) from 2pm-3pm, which are held in the quiet room in the Chaplaincy within the Edward Herbert Building.
Staff and students are welcome to drop-in during this time, but are asked to knock on the door first in case Lisa is already with someone. If this is the case, you will be invited to come back at an alternative time. Students can also book in advance via the Target Connect platform.
Support for students
Student Services (Email: studentwellbeing@lboro.ac.uk, Tel: 01509 222765) offers a range of support, including mental health and wellbeing, and advice specifically for international students. One-to-one support with an advisor is also available. If you would like to access this support, please complete the online referral form.
The University Chaplaincy (Email: chaplaincy@lboro.ac.uk, Tel: 01509 223741) offers a space for quiet reflection. University Chaplains are here to listen, to care and to help all staff and students. No appointment is necessary.
If you feel your studies are being affected, you can contact your Academic School and/or Personal Tutors so that we can provide the right support to you. If you wish, you can also submit an individual Mitigating Circumstances claim to explain how you have been impacted by recent events. More information on this can be found in the Student Handbook.
The Loughborough Students’ Union LGBT+ Association is for any students identifying under the LGBT+ umbrella. They balance a mix of support, advocacy, education and fun through their events and campaigns and welcome both LGBT+ people and allies to join.
Support for staff
Colleagues can access emotional support through our Employee Assistance Programme. Please note this service is also available for your immediate family members (eg spouses/partners, and children aged 16-24 in full time education, living in the same household).
The University Chaplaincy (Email: chaplaincy@lboro.ac.uk, Tel: 01509 223741) offers a space for quiet reflection. University Chaplains are here to listen, to care and to help all staff and students. No appointment is necessary.
Should you need some time away, we would like to draw attention to our compassionate leave arrangements.
The LGBT+ Staff Network encompasses all staff who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, trans and any other minoritised sexual or gender identity. They also welcome allies of the LGBT+ community. Together, the Network provides a space to ensure that LGBT+ staff are represented, supported, and valued.