Anonymous Welfare Supplies

Please use this contact form if you are in need of welfare supplies. Just simply put would you would like and where you wish for it to be dropped off and if the request is accepted it should appear there within a few days.

Please remember this a JCR service and is to help you and others.

Recepient: Welfare Rep <johns.welfare@durham.ac.uk>

Sender: Anonymous <anonymous@johnsjcr.org.uk>

Message: *

A Quick Guide to Sexual Health

STIs- Sexually Transmitted Infections

Possibly the most exciting part of university life is meeting new people. Part of this experience will involve an encounter of different values and ideas. Parenthetically, it’s important to recognise that whilst this diversity can often create barriers, it can also serve to broaden and enrich life experience in general.
The information here about sexual health will not be for everyone; some may perhaps not want to experience sexual encounters for their entire university career. But this will certainly not be the case for everyone. The important thing whatever your sexual outlook, is that you know how to stay safe and minimize the chances of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.

Avoiding STIs

Firstly, the only method of contraception that also allows you to avoid contracting STIs during penetrative sex is the condom. Whether this be the male or female condom, both greatly reduce the chances of bodily fluid transferral. The male condom is available FREE from any of the JCR welfare officers and any condom distribution is done so in the STRICTEST CONFIDENCE.
Secondly, if practicing either form of oral sex on a woman, or ‘rimming’ on a man, dental dams should be used to avoid contraction of STIs. Dental dams are sheets of latex which, when placed over the areas for stimulation, restrict flow of bodily fluids. Hepatitis B, Herpes, Syphilis, Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia can all be transmitted through oral sex. Remember, protection should be worn/used even during oral sex. Dental dams are also available from the welfare officers for FREE. LGBT get these from their suppliers for free, whereas the general welfare budget does not, so it’s worth speaking to them in order to save the JCR some money!

Detecting STIs

Although some STIs show very obvious outward signs of their existence, many of the most common STIs can be SYMPTOMLESS which makes them particularly nasty. It is always worth getting checked out at a GUM clinic (Genito-Urinary Medicine). There is one at Dryburne hospital, located on the first floor. This is a FREE test, but you may have to book an appointment in advance. If you need any assistance with this, please do not hesitate to ask. The GUM clinic, again, is entirely confidential, and false names can be used should you wish!

Treating STIs

STIs can be divided into three categories – viral, protozoan and bacterial. Bacterial and protozoan STIs, such as Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, and Chlamydia, are curable with antibiotics. On the other hand viral STIs, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Herpes and Hepatitis B, are not curable. Medical treatment can, however, alleviate the symptoms of these STIs. STIs caused by parasites, including crabs and scabies, are curable with topical creams/lotions.
The GUM clinic, as well as screening for STIs, is also able to offer treatment. This is at the University Hospital of North Durham.
To book an appointment, phone 0191 333 2660

Campaigns

Campaigns

A key part of welfare is organising campaigns. These include alcohol awareness, LGBTa awareness, careers week, mental health week, disabilities week, stress less, and SHAG week to name a few!

Details of upcoming welfare events will be publicised here. The next campaign is:

Stress Less

This campaign runs for the whole of Summer term with events geared to help you relax, de-stress and revise effectively. There are also lots of resources and advice available to those of you who may be struggling with revision, need advice on how to submit a mitigating circumstances form and appeal regarding exam results.

Prepare for jazz and mocktails in Leech Hall on Saturday the 8th of May at 8:00
Indian Head Massage workshop on Thursday the 6th of May in the Tristram Room at 7:30

The Vasey room will be a revision room for anyone who needs it.

Film nights and tea breaks for general de-stressing.

 

Chaplain

Kate Bruce and Asher

The Chaplain has a key role in providing welfare support to all members of the college community. If you need space to talk about any difficulties you may be experiencing – just get in touch with her. Revd Kate Bruce has worked as Chaplain to Van Mildert and Trevelyan Colleges and started with St John’s College on September 1st 2008. During her time with the hill colleges she worked extensively in student support and liaised closely with the Senior Tutors in both colleges.

She is keen to stress that the Chaplain is available to ALL members of the College concerning any matters that are troubling them: practical, emotional, or spiritual. If she is unable to help you directly, she will know someone who can help and will point you in the right direction.

Her office is Haughton B10 (just down the stairs from the Finance Office).
She is also contactable by email – kathrine.bruce2@durham.ac.uk or internal phone - 3343851.

Dog lovers: Please feel free to come and visit Asher (black lab) who works with Kate as co-chaplain (and is much more likely to be found wearing a dog-collar).

Confidentiality Policy

St John’s College JJCR Confidentiality Policy

Student welfare officers (elected members of the Welfare Committee and Student 2 Student Supporters ) should keep information given to them in confidence except where:

1. The student and the welfare officer both agree that the welfare officer may take the information to a third party.
2. Information disclosed indicates that anyone, including the student concerned, is at risk of harm - especially in circumstances where information concerning terrorism, drug dealing or child abuse arises.
3. The student welfare officer takes the issues surrounding the situation to the University Counselling Service or DSU advice centre for further guidance. In this case any names of those involved MUST NOT be referred to, and information which might indicate that person’s identity should be avoided.

Permission should be sought before confidentiality is breached as a result of clause 2. If permission is not granted, the welfare officer must explain his/her obligation to take the information further.
In 2, persons to receive this information may include:

• The emergency services and/or Social services
• The University Counselling services
• The Person(s) in danger
• The Senior Tutor or acting senior tutor
• The Principal or acting Principal
• The Resident Tutors
• The Chaplain

Other students who are not in danger should not receive this information
This welfare Confidentiality Policy should be made widely available, on the welfare board and online, and students must be made aware of its content whenever they come for support.

Contacts

Useful Welfare Contacts

College Officers

Principal- Dr David Wilkinson- daw@xiancomm.org.uk - 0191 334 43895
Senior Tutor- Dr Mark Ogden- mark.ogden@dur.ac.uk - 0191 334 3892 or 07891222536
Senior Student Support Officer- Katie Mackay- katie.mackay@durham.ac.uk - 0191 334 3892.

Resident Tutors

Ben Salter- b.p.salter@dur.ac.uk - 07905711188
Kevin Tyson- kevin.tyson@durham.ac.uk
Gerry Aiken - gerald.aiken@durham.ac.uk

For emergencies after hours - MAKE A NOTE OF THESE NUMBERS

College officer on duty - 07837093841
Resident Tutor on duty - 07837093803
Duty Bedel - 07870117915

Other contact numbers

Nightline - 0191 334 6444 - on the back of your campus card - nightline@dur.ac.uk
Counselling Service - 0191 334 2200- counsel.service@dur.ac.uk
DSU Advice Centre - 0191 334 1775
Durham Police - 0191 386 4222
Samaritans - 0191 384 2727
Nightbus - 0785 483 8890
Careers advisory service - 0191 334 1430
Accomodation Office - 0191 334 1770
Gum Clinic - 0191 333 2660/1
LGBTA - 0191 334 1772
University Health Centre - 0191 386 5081
University Hospital of North Durham - 0191 333 2333
University security - 0191 334 1229
University Switchboard - 0191 334 2000
Durham Students Union - 0191 334 1777
Financial Support - Elizabeth Lovett- e.l.lovett@dur.ac.uk

Health and Safety

You can go to this page http://johnsjcr.org.uk/college-life/health-and-safety to read about health and safety in college.

Livers Out

If you are interested in standing for livers-out officer please get in touch! johns.welfare@dur.ac.uk

A few hints and tips...

How to look for a house

The safest way to go about looking for properties is through the DSU Accommodation Office. They are the part of the Student's Union where approved landlords can advertise their properties for the upcoming year, and are located on the top floor of Dunelm. They are open on weekdays from 10am to 4:30pm, and all of their properties and contact info is also available online at http://houses.dsu.org.uk. Most of the properties they advertise are ones which comply with the Accommodation Office Code of Standards. This is very important, as the code of standards is there to make sure the tenants are getting a good quality, safe house with all of the basic amenities and a procedure to follow if anything goes wrong. The Code covers most aspects of renting including:

• Clear tenancy agreements
• Fire safety protection
• Gas safety
• Electrical Safety
• Repairs
• Security
• Furnishings
• Deposits
• Professionalism

If you sign for a Code of Standards property, the landlord is agreeing to provide certain amenities and behave in a courteous and professional manner. In addition, your responsibilities as tenants will be clearly explained in an accompanying Tenant's handbook. It offers guidance on how to report repairs, how to avoid condensation, likely costs of living out and much more. As such, I would strongly recommend that you try to get a code of standards property, as people who do usually have fewer problems with their house, or their problems get fixed quicker.

IMPORTANT - When to look for a house

The Accommodation Office does not release the information about upcoming code of standards properties until the second week of the Epiphany term. As such, if you even try looking for a house before then, you're probably getting a bad deal, as the guaranteed good houses won't even be on the market, So there really is no point trying to start househunting in the Michaelmas term, just wait until you get back from the Christmas holidays. A surplus of houses in Durham means there is absolutely no way you will be left without a house, so it's worth waiting!

Estate Agents

The three big estate agents in Durham, which are Bradley Hall, JW Wood and Robinsons, have forged a partnership with the Accommodation office and the DSU Livers Out Committee to make sure students get a fair deal when renting a house from them. Many of their properties will be listed as complying with the code of practice, which is very similar to the Accommodation Office code of standards. This will be the first year that they will advertise code of practice properties, and if you choose one of them, you will be assured that any problems you face will be dealt with in a professional manner as outlined in the code, and that the house is indeed in a fit state to be lived in. These properties will also not be available until the start of Epiphany, so once again there is no rush to start until then.
If you do see an available property you're interested in, it is up to you to take it from there. Normally you'll call the landlord, arrange a time to see the house (I would advise you NEVER to accept a house unless the whole group has visited it and is happy with it), and then to work out the details with the landlord. I am available if you have any questions regarding the contract you are about to sign, as are the people in the Accommodation Office. As I said before, if you do have any questions you'd like answered, I'll be more than happy to help. Hope your living out year is the best of your life.

How-to: Keep your deposit

The Top 5 Reasons for Deposit Deductions

1. You have failed to leave the property in a clean condition
2. You have failed to pay all the rent which is due
3. Failure to repair or replace a damaged item of furniture 
4. Failure to pay the bills 
5. You have breached your contractual agreement in some way

It is much easier than you might think for your landlord to keep your deposit - Follow these guidelines to make it difficult for him:

It is not unusual for students to have to wait up to a month after the expiry of the tenancy - anything far in excess of this time period is questionable. If your property is a code of standards your landlord has four weeks to return your deposit or six weeks if he/she owns more than three properties.

If at all possible before you leave try to arrange a joint inspection with your landlord and go through the inventory of the property together. If your landlord states that all is OK ask him/her to sign something confirming this, stating that the house is in an acceptable condition and the deposit of £xxx is to be returned. Obviously you need to keep this paper.

If the landlord states it is not satisfactory you may have time to rectify the problem, or if you disagree you should take photographs of the discrepancies. This is so there is a clear record of what the disagreement is about should you want to take the matter further.

It is important to remember that should your landlord not return the deposit the burden of proof lies with yourself to prove that the house was left in a satisfactory state. It is therefore essential that you have an inventory and photographic evidence in support of your case.

If your landlord has not returned your deposit, call him to find out why. If after this you are still waiting write to him explaining the situation and when you want the money refunded by. Fourteen days is the usual time limit in situations such as this.

Remember the Accommodation Office and the Advice Centre is open throughout the summer and will be able to assist you with deposit problems. We are happy to check any correspondence and assist you in writing letters to your landlord.

Remember your deposit is not very well protected under law and it is relatively easy for unscrupulous landlords to make a quick buck. By taking simple steps such as the inventory, joint inspection and photographs you will be making it harder for them to make money out of you.

A Few Simple Pointers

Removing the leftovers - you need to dispose of any rubbish sensibly. Use your wheelie bin and if there is excess refuse you need to call the Waste Management department at the City Council on 0191 383 3000.
Take photographs of the property, especially anything that you think may cause a problem and also complete an inventory or better still a joint inspection.
Disconnect the telephone line and have bills forwarded to home addresses - it will be necessary to give BT three days notice. Meter readings will be necessary for both gas and electricity supplies.
Ensure all rented items (dishwasher, washing machine, 32inch Widescreen ...) are collected - you are advised to ring the rental company well in advance, best to give them four weeks notice.
Leave the landlords furniture in the rooms where your landlord expects to find them and take all of your belongings with you.
As the tenant you have a responsibility to give back the property in a good and clean condition. If you are joint tenants you will all be equally liable for the condition of the whole house.
You will need to ensure the communal areas are clean as well as your own room. A deposit is not to be used against fair wear and tear although this definition is a bit vague. THE CLEANER YOU LEAVE THE PROPERTY THE LESS LIKELY YOU ARE TO HAVE YOUR DEPOSIT RETAINED.
Any questions you have just call the Office on 0191 374 3330 remember we are open during the summer.

Accommodation Office - 0191 334 1770
DSU Advice Centre - 0191 334 177

MCR & CCR

MCR & CCR Welfare

The MCR and CCR welfare officers liaise with the JRC welfare officer to organise college-wide events, and also to ensure that members of all the common rooms receive the same high standard of welfare provision. They are also available for undergraduates to talk to if they feel that it would be more appropriate. As with everybody on the welfare team, the MCR and CCR officers are happy to help!

MCR - Alex Davis

Contact: johnsmcr.vpwelfare@durham.ac.uk

07759 226 920

I am the Welfare Officer of the Middle Common Room, so I tend the welfare needs of primarily the Postgraduate students. However, as a Welfare officer, I am here for any student who wants me, including all the Undergraduates, and I am more then happy to assist anyone. It is sometimes useful for people to talk to someone a bit older and slightly more detached from the undergraduate system, and I am open to answering or signposting you on anything from health problems to work or career stresses!

I am doing a Masters in English Literature.  I was an undergraduate here in John’s until last year, and therefore I know what it is like to be part of that system in Durham. I hope this places me on a good footing if people have problems about their student life, exams etc., as I have been through the Undergraduate life

and out the other side! I am of course by no means an expert but I have the benefit of age and experience. I even have the wrinkles and the academic hood to prove it…!

Unlike other Postgraduates, I live in college, so you have probably seen me around. My room is Cranmer C39, directly next to the Cranmer Vac kitchen, if people want to pop in and have a chat.

CCR - Tom Hiney

Contact: trchiney@gmail.com

07525 14 14 16

I am studying for an MA in Theology and Ministry and am also an Anglican Ordinand. I used to be a journalist and generally read or write when not doing anything else. Living in Cranmer at the time of writing, but will be moving out for 10/11 academic year with my son.

Resident Tutors

The Resident Tutors

The resident tutors are tutors resident in college (unsurprisingly!) who are also available if you want to talk. The resident tutors are also on call from 11pm to 9am in case of emergency. The number is given below, please make a note of it!

Resident Tutor on duty - 07837093803

Ben Salter 

Living- Tutor flat on Cruddas B

Interests- Music, theatre, doing

essays at the last minute, and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream...!

Contact at- b.p.salter@durham.ac.uk

 

Gerry Aiken

Living- Tutor flat on Cruddas B

Interests-  all things geographical, fair trade, whisky, being Scottish and St John’s (of course!).

Contact at- gerald.aiken@durham.ac.uk

 

Kevin Tyson (Post Graduate Tutor)

Living- 28 North Bailey

Interests- theme parks, life, culture, exercise, God and people

Contact at- kevin.tyson@durham.ac.uk

Senior Tutor and Student Support Officer

Dr Mark Ogden (Senior Tutor)

Dr Ogden is always available for urgent matters and looming pastoral crises. For routine business, please check his office hours and make an appointment with his secretary.

The Senior tutor is also the first point of contact for missed academic commitments, changing course and other related academic needs. It is good to keep him informed if you are going to miss assessed work or tutorials so that he doesn’t find out via a stern letter from your department. If there is a valid reason he can negotiate extensions and help find a suitable course of action. His email address is mark.ogden@durham.ac.uk and his office is at the top of Haughton Staircase just up from the college reception

Katie Mackay (Student Support Officer)

Like Dr Ogden, Katie works closely between students and staff in the Senior Tutor's office. She heads up the college system of tutors to make sure that all student's are looked after in the college welfare system. Katie is on the same level as Mark as the first point of contact for students with regards to their pastoral care. Her email address is katie.mackay@durham.ac.uk and if she is not in the Senior Tutor's office, she can be found in the Alumni office.

Student Finance

Financial Help within College and the University

University is expensive, and college staff do recognise the difficulties students face. There are a number of hardship funds available should you find yourself in financial difficulty. Do not assume you are not in enough of a dire strait to require help; you will not be criticised or made to feel guilty. Speak up before it gets out of hand.

HEFCE Hardship fund

 This is the main hardship fund for non-international students. If you are having trouble paying rent, college fees or anything else then you may be able to obtain a grant. Please note applicants must have already taken out their full student loan entitlement to be eligible. The college’s Hardship Committee makes decisions and the utmost discretion is assured. Application forms are available from Katie Mackay.

University Hardship Fund

This fund is available mainly for international students whom cannot apply to the HEFCE fund. To apply you must show that there has been a change in your circumstances that has put you in a position of hardship. Please see the senior tutor for more details.

Access to learning and mature students

There are grants and funds available for access and mature students (usually with dependants). Please see the Senior Tutor for details.

Short-term “emergency” Loans

Short-term loans are available from both college and the DSU. These are usually to cover costs if a loan cheque has not yet arrived or you will soon have money which is not yet available. Applications should be made to Katie Mackay (college), or Nicky Godfrey, DUS Education and Welfare Officer (dsu.welfare@dur.ac.uk).
 
For General information regarding student financial support refer also to the following websites:
www.dur.ac.uk/student.support
www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport/

JJCR Members Fund

The members fund is partly made up of the JJCR Membership each of us pays at the beginning of our time here at John’s. The fund is there primarily to help students who find they need money for miscellaneous one-off needs such as text books, train tickets, ball tickets etc that they hadn’t realised they had to factor into their budget. Applications can be made to the JJCR, CCR and MCR Presidents at any point of term.

Hardship Fund

Support is most often given to students through this fund in the case of unavoidable situations of hardship; for example, taxi fees in case of personal injury, general maintenance and fee payment, funding for education assessment, etc. If interested in accessing this fund contact Dr Ogden, Senior Tutor.

JJCR Travel Bursaries

Need money for a trip during vacation? Think this trip will benefit the university, college or yourself? Then you may be eligible for a JJCR Travel Bursary. Applications are accepted at the end of each term for trips during the coming vacation. The application deadline and criteria will be thoroughly advertised in the final weeks of term.

College Travel Bursary

The College also provide a travel bursary for those students who wish to travel during vacations, with the same basic criteria as the JJCR Travel Bursary. Applications are sent to the Senior Tutor, Dr Ogden and they are usually advertised to students at the appropriate times.

SCR Travel Bursary

The amount of £500 each is generally awarded to two people, usually to contribute to a summer expedition or project which is interesting and unique. Applications for this bursary are only open in Epiphany term and an email is sent with all the relevant details. The people who receive this bursary are usually required to give a short talk about their experiences to the SCR.

Student2Student

Student2Student support network

University-wide Welfare Resources

DSU Welfare

• Education and welfare officer: Nicky Godfrey -  dsu.welfare@dur.ac.uk

As well as being able to offer information and advice, as all of the above, the Education and Welfare Officer will be able to support you in any academic appeals, disciplinary issues, etc. The EWO is a union-elected sabbatical post, this year held by Nicky Godfrey. She can be contacted at the above address or in the top floor of Dunelm House (the DSU building) in the Advice Centre.

The Advice Centre

• advice.centre@dur.ac.uk.

The DSU have fully trained professional Advisors who can aid you with any queries ranging from legal matters to counselling needs you may have and have a huge array of experience in dealing with just about any problem a student may face. The advice centre is on the top floor of Dunelm House – you can make an appointment by going into the advice centre, ringing the advice centre reception on 0191 3341 775 or emailing.

www.dsu.org.uk/welfare

The DSU welfare website contains large amounts of welfare-related information and links. It is most easily accessed through the Unions/Societies link on the University Homepage. The welfare tab is on the top of the website.

LGBTa 

• lgbta@dsu.org.uk

This association provides information specifically for homosexuals, bisexuals, transgenders and also those who choose not to self-define. They have their own website (www.lgbta.dsu.org.uk) and as a member of Durham Student’s Union there is no need to sign anything and no fee to pay to join! To join the mailing list, visit their stall at the Freshers’ Fair, or send an email to lgbta@dsu.org.uk. They also arrange a good social!

Nightline

• Possibly the most important number on the back of your campus card: 0191 334 6444

• nightline@dur.ac.uk

• Behind Dunn Cow Pub

• 9pm-7am every night of term

 
Nightline is a completely confidential listening service open from 9pm -7 am every night of term. You can call nightline on 0191 334 6444 (the number on the back of your campus card) or drop into their offices behind the Dun Cow pub on Old Elvet. There is always a man and woman on duty each night ready to listen to what you have to say and support you. It doesn’t matter how long you are on the line, they won’t end the call or hurry you. You can call nightline if there is something specific you want to get off your chest or talk through, if you want information such as a taxi number, or even if you are just feeling lonely and feel like chatting to someone. Nightline also offers information on a wide range of subjects such as abortion, rape, depression and sexuality, as well as pizza numbers and taxi numbers. They also offer anonymous pregnancy testing, Chlamydia screening packs, free condoms, tampons and can loan attack alarms.

University Health Centre

• 01913865081

• 42 Old Elvet

• Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

This is for all health issues including: Stop smoking support, Contraceptive clinic, Asthma clinic, Psychotherapy, Maternity and Child health, Diabetes clinic, Travel clinic, Sport injury clinic at Maiden Castle. The doctors here have chosen to work specifically with students and are supportive and non-judgemental of all kinds of problems. They are located at 42 Old Elvet and you can contact them on 01913865081. Doctors and Nurses are available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Open Surgeries (no appointment necessary) are as follows:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9.00-11.00
Wednesday 2.00-4.00
(appointments should be made at all other times)

University Counselling Service

• 0191 334 2200

• counsel.service@durham.ac.uk

• room a70, Elvet Riverside 1 top floor over “glass bridge”

• Monday-Friday 9.00-4.30

The aim of counselling is to enable a student to work through personal and emotional difficulties in a confidential, safe and non-judgemental environment. Students come to talk through a whole range of problems, serious and not-so-serious, including such problems as relationship break-down, depression, rape, child abuse, bereavement, sexuality and pregnancy. There is a team of professional counsellors who offer free sessions for students. To make an appointment call 0191 334 2200 or email counselling.service@dur.ac.uk. It is located above the language department reception in room a70, on the top floor of Elvet Riverside 1. It is situated over the “glass bridge” and up the stairs.

Durham University Service for Students with Disabilities

• 01913348115

• disabilities.service@durham.ac.uk

• Pelaw House, alongside Hild & Bede College. DH1 1TA

• Monday-Friday 9.00-4:30

This service is there to help students with any disability who may need assistance. Help will be given specific to needs. It may include a full assessment of special academic needs, supplying of specialized equipment including appropriate IT Communication support (such as note-taking in lectures), and personal help with physical difficulties  (such as fetching or carrying). They have good support for students with a range of disabilities and particularly for those who are hearing impaired or dyslexic. Get in touch with them if extra support may be appropriate for you.

Welfare Supplies

We offer:

Condoms

Lube

Attack alarms

Pregnancy tests

Carbon monoxide detectors (especially important if you are living out)

Pee in the pot tester kits (tests for sexually transmited infections)

Each bathroom in college should have a supply of condoms and lube, and some Student2Student supporters and Assistant Welfare Officers (of which there are many living in and around college) will have some supplies with them if necessary. However if you would prefer you can order any of these supplies completely confidentially by emailing johns.welfare@dur.ac.uk, or using the anonymous welfare supplies form on this website, and they will be delivered to your pigeonhole discreetly.