Wellbeing and Support at Robinson

Health and wellbeing are key elements of your studies and college life at Robinson. Recognising the importance of the link between being well and learning well, the College has both a dedicated Wellbeing Team and a Wellbeing Centre in addition to the pastoral and academic support structure.

Pastoral & Academic Support

At Robinson, we are committed to providing support to all our students to ensure everyone enjoys their time here at Cambridge.

Tutor

Your Tutor can help as a first point of contact if you need some help or support during your studies.

Director of Studies (DoS)

Your Director of Studies (DOS) is the key person you work with on approaching your academic work and developing skills that support studying effectively.

Student Leaders

The Robinson College Student Association and MCR are elected student representatives for undergraduates and postgraduates respectively. They lead the student voice on college life and welfare matters at Robinson.

Women's and Non-Binary Officer

As Women’s and Non-Binary Officer, Lizzi Rawlinson-Mills is happy to talk to any student in these categories who would value a listening ear in addition to their tutor, or about personal matters they would feel more comfortable discussing with a woman. She can signpost you on to further services. Arrange an appointment either in person or Teams by emailing Lizzi directly.

Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Violence Contact

As Robinson’s Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Violence contact person, Lizzi Rawlinson-Mills is responsible for ensuring that there is appropriate signposting and support for any student experiencing any form of discrimination or harassment. Discrimination issues include any behaviour that causes the student to feel that they are being treated differently as a result of an actual or perceived personal trait (protected characteristic), including race, religion and belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, or sex. Harassment issues include any behaviour where the student feels that their dignity is being violated or that behaviour is causing a hostile, intimidating, degrading, or offensive environment for them. This includes any type of sexual, physical or abusive misconduct. Lizzi is available to speak to any student who has an enquiry about harassment or discrimination, offering listening and advice on sources of support and reporting processes within college and the university.Arrange an appointment either in person or Teams by emailing Lizzi directly.

Financial Tutor

As the Financial Tutor, Siôn Hudson is here to help you with any money difficulties you are facing whilst you are studying with us. He is usually in College on Mondays during Term - appointments can be booked here: https://calendly.com/sph35-cam/30min

"I was an undergraduate at Robinson (far longer ago than I care to admit!) so I know exactly what being a student here is like. You are welcome to come and chat with me if you have any concerns that you might be in a bit of a financial squeeze, or even if you want some help budgeting and managing your money. The College offers hardship bursaries to help students who are particularly in need, and I manage and co-ordinate those applications."

Who We Are

The Robinson Wellbeing Team offers professional health and wellbeing support to all students. We can help students directly through individual appointments and/or assist in accessing other specialist support services through the University, NHS, or elsewhere as are best matched to the needs of the student.

We are friendly, approachable and here to support students fulfil their potential at Robinson. As part of Robinson’s whole-community approach we also work with the student body to coordinate activities and events for students to connect with their interests and each other. If you are looking for support, interested in organising an activity, or have ideas for college life, please get in touch. Check the In College - Events page to see upcoming events and activities.

Karen Tate

Head of Wellbeing

Anne Considine

College Nurse

Fiona Davey

Student Wellbeing Advisor

Book an Appointment

Appointments & Support

There are two main types of appointments:

Health (30 minutes): Health appointments include assessment, advice and support for minor injuries and illnesses and are available to book with Anne (college nurse). Any information shared during consultation is treated in the strictest medical confidence and will not be divulged without your consent or co-operation.

Times: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 09:00 -17:30 though there is some flexibility according to need. NB College Surgery is not usually open vacation time.
Please email the nurse if you wish to discuss anything and the nurse will arrange to call you back.

Standard Wellbeing Appointment (30 or 50 minutes): Wellbeing appointments offer broader support around wellbeing concerns and mental health. Available to book with Karen, Anne, or Fiona.

A wellbeing appointment might include:
- An initial conversation about what your concerns are and what support you might need.
- Signposting to or assistance completing referrals to other specialist services within the University, NHS, or external organisations for support or if seeking diagnosis.
- Support developing strategies or tools to help with functioning well or feeling good.
- A non-judgemental space to discuss any wellbeing, mental health or life challenges that may be impacting on your student experience.
- Coordinating support or action plans with your tutor, director of studies, or others.
Wellbeing appointments can focus on a variety of topics including, but not limited to:
- Motivation, focus and concentration, study/exam stress and strategies
- Feeling low, tired, or lacking energy/enthusiasm
- Navigating relationships and friendships
- Feeling worried, stressed, or anxious
- Balancing work and life, healthy routines, how to feel good
- Support around intermitting

Appointments are available Monday-Friday and mostly during office hours, with some flexibility according to need. They can take place in person, via Teams, or over the phone. Check for appointment availability through the booking link and email the wellbeing team with any questions. Appointments with the Student Wellbeing Advisor (Fiona) are also available outside of term time.

For urgent support on evenings and weekends, contact the Porter's Lodge in the first instance to speak with a College staff member who can help you with identifying next steps. You can drop in to the Lodge in person, or contact the Porters by telephone 01223 339100 or email porters@robinson.cam.ac.uk

If you or someone you know are in crisis and need mental health care and support, contact the First Response Service NHS 111 OPTION 2. See also the University page on Crisis Support and Information for guidance and advice.

Molly the Wellbeing Dog

Thursdays during term time Karen Tate (Head of Wellbeing) brings in her dog, Molly, to spend time with students. Molly is a Cavapoochon, a small dog specifically chosen for her characteristics of being friendly, hypoallergenic, and good with people. There is a growing evidence base to demonstrate how pets can support mental health and wellbeing in many ways.

Individual sessions: There are 3 individual sessions available to book in with Molly. Students can sign up to walk or play with her, but equally they can arrange to just come and sit with her to help them feel calmer and happier.
After-lunch walk Thursdays 1:45-2:15: Meet outside the Wellbeing Centre to take Molly for a walk, no need to book just come along!

Book a Session with Molly

If the dog is a problem or barrier for any students wanting a Standard Wellbeing Appointment, we can easily accommodate and plan for this (e.g. using other rooms in the Wellbeing Centre, and/or booking an appointment on days when the dog is not here).

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