Student Support and Wellbeing

Overview

At MetFilm, we know that starting a degree course in a new city is an exciting time, but it also comes with a range of new challenges.

From having to manage paying rent and bills for the first time, to making new friends and balancing a healthy social life whilst undertaking a rigorous degree programme. It’s a lot of new things to experience and can at times feel quite overwhelming.

From enrolment to graduation, our experienced Student Wellbeing Team offer personalised information, advice and guidance to help you with those challenges; whatever they may be.

Supporting your journey

We work hard to make sure you have access to the support you need to succeed throughout your studies.

We aim to provide a safe and confidential space so that you can explore your own personal development in a welcoming and supportive environment. Whether that be in a booked one-to-one tutorial session or by dropping by for advice and guidance from a Student Wellbeing Advisor, the team are here to support you in reaching your goals.

Whether you need ongoing support for a diagnosed learning difficulty or mental health condition, or if you just need someone to talk to when things get tough: we’re here to help.

We will work with you to help you build the confidence and resilience to deal with life’s challenges. We can provide you with practical advice and guidance on ways to support your wellbeing, help you access services like your GP, and signpost you to specialised local support agencies. For students who require further support we can also refer you to our nominated counselling service, whether that be in house or via local therapy providers we work with.

So be bold; take the first step in reaching your creative, personal and academic goals and know that there is help there should you need it.

Discover some of the ways we help our students below.

Learning Support

Our dedicated Learning Support team support students with a range of disabilities, neurodiverse conditions, physical and mental health issues. The team offer support based on your individual needs and how your disability, learning difference or health condition affect your studies.

We encourage you to share details of your disability, neurodiverse condition or health issue with us as early as possible in the application process so we can work with you to put in any support you might need before you arrive.

We can help you put together an individual Learning Support Plan, created specifically for you. This will ensure your tutors know the best ways they can support you both academically and pastorally. We can also establish what reasonable adjustments you may require, such as, for example, extensions on assignment. You may also be entitled to additional support and funding during your time of study, available from Disabled Students Allowance (UK students only). Further information can be found here: HM Government Disabled Students Allowance.

We can help you with:

• Implementing reasonable adjustments for learning and assessments (e.g. extra time for written work)
• Creating Individual Support Plans to aid your learning
• Supporting eligible students with applying for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)
• Helping students to access diagnostic assessments for Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia
• Providing advice and information for students who wish to consider accessing assessments for other neurodiverse conditions (e.g. ADHD, Autism)

Counselling and Therapy Support

Sometimes life presents us with challenges that seem too big to manage on our own. It doesn’t matter what that is – if you’re struggling or feel you’re not coping, it’s okay to ask for help. It might be that you just need a space to talk, or maybe you need something more interactive to help you find the right coping strategies for you.

The Student Wellbeing Team can refer you to a nominated counselling service, whether that be in house or via local external providers we work with. All you have to do is get in touch with us and we’ll help you get the support you need.

International students

If you’re joining us from outside the UK, we’re here to help you get the most out of your studies and student life.

Our International Team can answer any questions you may have before you arrive, and then once you’ve joined MetFilm, the Student Wellbeing team offer support and guidance about life in the UK.

The campus Events and Community team run activities to help you meet people and make new friends.

BIMM Student Support Line and Wellbeing Platform

The BIMM Student Support Line is our 24/7 confidential listening and support service.

It offers in-the-moment emotional and mental health support for all registered BIMM University students and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year, so is fully available when Student Wellbeing is closed or you can’t wait for an appointment with an adviser.

The service is run on behalf of the university by our external partners, Spectrum Life, and can be easily accessed via telephone, text and live chat. When you make contact with the service, qualified counsellors will immediately work with you in getting initial support and help and, where appropriate, can signpost to campus Student Wellbeing team to continue supporting you.

You will also be able to access a wide range of resources including a digital gym, with live classes; fitness plans; recipes; self-guided meditations; wellbeing podcasts and seminars and eLearning content.

Togetherall

All BIMM students have access to Togetherall, a 24/7 digital mental health service that allows you to access peer support and tailored self-help programmes. Togetherall offers a safe space for you to explore your feelings, get creative, and learn how to effectively manage your mental health and wellbeing.

Student Wellbeing Strategy

The Student Wellbeing Strategy sets out our direction, priorities and goals as we continually develop a supportive and inclusive culture across the university. This ensures that every student feels able to thrive, regardless of any challenges they may face during their academic journey.

Student wellbeing strategy

Any questions?

For any questions relating to Student Wellbeing, please contact one of our campus Student Wellbeing teams:

Birmingham: wellbeingbirmingham@bimm.ac.uk

Brighton: studentwellbeingbrighton@bimm.ac.uk

Leeds: studentwellbeingleeds@metfilm.ac.uk

London: wellbeing@metfilm.ac.uk

Manchester: wellbeingmanchester@bimm.ac.uk

For questions relating to Learning Support, please contact the relevant campus team:

Birmingham: learningsupportbirmingham@bimm.co.uk

Brighton: learningsupportbrighton@bimm.co.uk

Leeds: Learningsupportleeds@metfilm.ac.uk

London: learningsupportlondon@bimm.ac.uk

Manchester: learningsupportmanchester@bimm.co.uk