University message on the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

We have all been shocked by the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, which are affecting thousands of people, including members of the Oxford Brookes community.

There will be many within our community who are worried about family and friends in the region - our thoughts are with them, and with all those caught up in this disaster.  

As an educational institution, our priority is to support any students and staff who are affected. Our International Student Advice Team is contacting all of our Turkish and Syrian students to offer support and we will do all we can to help those students with the emotional and financial impact of the earthquakes.

We have been able to confirm there are no Oxford Brookes students or staff currently on exchange, placement or working in Turkey or Syria. 

We would like to remind everyone that the University’s Student Support Services team is available to support any students who have been affected. Togetherall is also available to all students for 24/7 online support. We encourage University staff to speak to their line manager if they are affected, or to seek support via the Employee Assistance Programme. 

Any student who is experiencing financial hardship can seek financial support through the Financial Aid team. Staff can apply to the Staff Assistance Fund. 

We know that many people are keen to support the people of Turkey and Syria at this time. The British Red Cross, Medicines san Frontiers and Unicef are some of the organisations working to help people affected by the earthquakes.