by Emily Maybanks & the ASC team
The Swansea University Students’ Union Advice and Support Centre offer free, independent and confidential advice to all students at Swansea University. The ASC has four advisers, who cover all areas that may affect students – issues such as financial concerns, academic issues, housing problems, employment and legal advice as well as health and personal matters. The ASC has harassment advisers and is a reporting centre for Hate Crime and Victim Support. Basically, you can go to the Advice Centre for support about anything that might be troubling you.
The ASC also runs a course called Live Life to the Full. It is a course for students suffering from low-level depression and anxiety and aims to teach students how to deal with life’s problems more effectively. The course is delivered on a 1-1 basis, and is useful as it teaches you that no matter how overwhelming your problems or worries may be, there is usually always a solution to sort them out in a simple and practical way.
As someone who has used the ASC for a range of reasons over the course of my time studying at Swansea University, I know, and I fully appreciate just how useful and fantastic this service is. The advisers are understanding and helpful and quite often go out of their way to help and to advise students. They’ve helped me, personally, to deal with academic concerns as well as personal problems, and most of all, it’s reassuring to know that I can just go in for a chat and a cup of tea, if I need to.
Where is the Advice & Support Centre located?
On Singleton Campus, the ASC is located in Fulton House, on the ground floor just behind CostCutter. Just look for the multi-coloured wall. On Bay Campus, the Advice Centre is located on the first floor of the Students’ Union building.
To contact the Advice & Support Centre, either telephone, on 01792 295821, send an email to advice@swansea-union.co.uk or pop in and see them on either campus.
Get to know your ASC team
Chris Ravenhill, Advice & Support Centre manager
12 years in the ASC and, before that, many years with CAB.
He can help with everything, or at least knows someone who can. His advice is whenever you contact agents, landlords or the university regarding academic issues, leave a paper trail. You never know when email evidence might be needed to support your position.
Hayley Harris, Senior Adviser
“I am a senior welfare adviser at the Students’ Union Advice & Support Centre. I have been working here for over 8 years and worked within the probation service before that. Within my role, I am also a trained mediator and harassment adviser. My advice would be to not let things build up or ignore important tasks; if something is bothering, you come in and have a chat with us, anytime.”
Donna Cleaver, Adviser
“I’m a welfare adviser at the Advice and Support Centre and also a harassment adviser. Prior to this, I worked with homeless youth aged 16-24. My advice to students is to come to the Advice and Support Centre with any concerns or issues you may have – we’re here to support you.”
Jemma Stock, Adviser
“I work with an incredible team at the Students’ Union Advice & Support Centre. We offer advice and support to all students on various matters. I have extensive legal knowledge and I was a Property Lawyer before becoming a welfare adviser here at the University. I am also a trained harassment adviser and able to advise on Court matters. If there is anything worrying a student, no matter how big or small, our door is always open! We are here to ensure that your experience here at Swansea University is both enjoyable and pleasant!”
