In addition to our support mechanisms on and off campus, we have a number of platforms to share our knowledge and experiences.
If you would like more information about disability and dyslexia and higher education, and what our STAART Ambassadors are doing, you can find out more by following our social channels.
STAART on Facebook
Our STAART Facebook page has a wide range of members, both in the UK and abroad. Members include future and current disabled and dyslexic students, graduates, postgraduates, disability practitioners, charities, organisations, researchers, parents, and allies.
If you are aged 16 or above, you are welcome to join the group. You do not have to be a disabled student.
We use the page to share information, celebrate achievements and keep people updated with what is happening in the world and post-compulsory education which may affect our members.
Anybody can view our pages, but only members can post. To ensure the psychological and physical wellbeing of our members, all posts are approved before they become public.
All members must also abide by the STAART Netiquette Agreement below.
STAART on X
We are @GRE_STAART on X.
The University of Greenwich STAART X account is like the Facebook group. However, posts tend to be more organisational/factual than personal.
STAART on WhatsApp
We have a closed WhatsApp group for University of Greenwich disabled students who are STAART members.
This is the most personalised form of support. It enables students to ask questions and/or support others. The conversations range from somebody not achieving the grades they were expecting through to graduation. This group is also used to arrange social events.
Disabled students who are members of STAART and have accepted a place at Greenwich can join the WhatsApp group once we receive confirmation of their status. This helps our incoming students to familiarise themselves with the university and to engage with current students and applicants.
Members of the WhatsApp group must abide by the STAART Netiquette Agreement below to maintain safeguarding.
STAART Netiquette Agreement
1. Be respectful and courteous.
2. Avoid using capital letters to emphasise a point – this will be understood as shouting.
3. Do not use sarcasm.
4. Do not put anything in a message you would not put on a postcard
5. Be mindful of the tone of your message or how this tone could be interpreted by others.
6. We do not tolerate anti-vaxxers.
7. Do not write anything you are not comfortable to share with the group and do not induce expectation on other group members to share anything they are not comfortable with doing so.
8. Please do not share a message to the group if it has been sent to you privately from Melanie, Gesiele or Alice (or anyone else if confidential).
9. Please be kind and non-judgemental during any virtual or STAART social event. Be mindful that everyone has different skills and knowledge and they may be dealing with a difficult life event or personal challenges.
10. you are welcome to have a guest at the physical and virtual events but they must be over 16 years old.
11. Respect different cultures and lifestyles.
12. Do not private message people as this can cause anxiety. If you need to contact an individual member, contact myself (M.Thorley@gre.ac.uk) and I can contact them on your behalf if it is appropriate to do so.
13. If any concerns are raised, please use the Report + Support platform.
14. Do not ask any STAART members to participate in any of your research unless you are an active STAART member, and you need to check with Melanie first.
15. Do not use any of the STAART platforms for commercial purposes.
16. Do not ask for sponsorship/fundraising on any of the STAART platforms. All of our fundraising money goes towards our nominated charity.
17. If you choose to leave the WhatsApp, SVT or Facebook, you will not be permitted to rejoin for seven days.
18. The Defamation Act 1996 states it is an offence to publish untrue statements which adversely affect the reputation of a person or group of persons, and/or the University of Greenwich. Please refrain from posting any untrue or defamatory statements within this group.
19. Messages must not be used for the creation, retention or distribution of disruptive or offensive messages, images, materials or software that include offensive or abusive comments about ethnicity or nationality, gender, disabilities, age, sexual orientation, appearance, religious beliefs and practices, political beliefs or social background.
** There might be times when you or other members may express the need for specialist support, whether this is around emotional wellbeing, academic studies, or financial concerns. It is important to escalate concerns to the most relevant team to ensure that swift and tailored support can be provided. Please access whichever service is most appropriate. If you have concerns regarding another member of STAART, remind them of this list rather than get involved yourself.
Spectrum.Life - our Student Assistance Programme. The SAP service is available 24/7, 365 days a year covering numerous topics such as: Stress, Anxiety, Low mood, Financial worries, Loss & Grief, Relationship problems, Substance abuse issues and much more.
If you, or other members, are in crisis and need to talk right now, there are many helplines staffed by trained people ready to listen:
NHS 111 Service: The NHS non-emergency number is fast, easy and free. Call and speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. NHS 111 is available 24/7. Tel: 111
Samaritans: To talk about anything that is upsetting you, 24/7. You can call 116 123.
SANEline: If you're experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day).
The Mix: If you're under 25, you can call 0808 808 4994 (Sunday-Friday 2pm–11pm).
Papyrus: If you're under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm).
If you are concerned about your studies or coursework, please seek advice from your personal tutor or our Disability and Dyslexia Team.
If you are concerned about your finances, please visit Money advice and support. You may also wish to use our Digital Student Centre to read relevant articles or raise a query.
Remember, support is always available. Should you have any question or concern, please inform Melanie via email.
Dr Melanie Thorley
STAART Manager
January 2024
STAART Art
STAART ART was created in March 2020 as a mindful distraction from the COVID pandemic, and for people to stay connected. Our first STAART ART prize competition ran throughout March 2020. The competitions are open to anybody, of any age, and in any location.
In addition to the prize competitions, we have also created two online colouring books which people can download at no cost. We have a Cat Colouring Book and a Dog Colouring Book. All of the images were created by members of STAART ART.
We have two permanent STAART ART Galleries dedicated to our competitions. We have one on the Medway campus and one on the Greenwich campus, situated next to the Student Centres.
