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At UCL, we are committed to providing equal opportunities for all, including our People of Colour (POC) community. Below are POC-specific support services available to you.
A UCL and Anna Freud study found that Black, mixed-race, and Asian young people are over twice as likely to be referred to mental health services by social care or youth justice, compared to their white peers.
Find below a range of resources which can help to assist our POC students with mental health and more generalist issues.
Student Engagement
Access & Widening Participation Office
The Access and Widening Participation Office offers students opportunities to work on projects supporting under-represented groups, including state school students, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and ethnic minority communities. Students from similar backgrounds are encouraged to apply to serve as role models. Becoming an ambassador helps develop skills like communication, leadership, and self-confidence while working with the local community.
Student Union's Clubs and Societies
Joining a club or society is a great way to enhance your UCL experience. Whether you’re interested in drama, sports, art, politics, or cultural groups, there are over 400 societies and many opportunities to meet new people and share experiences.
Personal Support
People of Colour Network
UCL's People of Colour (POC) Students' Officer leads the Student Union’s POC Network, creating a dynamic community for POC students. They represent the interests of POC students in decision-making bodies within the Union.
External Support
London Council Support
Camden and Islington Councils offer specialist BME support services:
- Imkaan – Black feminist UK organisation dedicated to addressing violence against BME women and girls.
- Chadswell Healthy Living Centre BAME Supporting Community Project - advice sessions, activities and support for the Bangladeshi, Somali and Chinese communities in the Kings Cross and Brunswick area.
- Bengali Womens Health Project - a community based project offering health promotion activities at various community centres across south Camden.
- Chinese Mental Health Association - provides support, assessment and counselling services for people of Chinese origin with mental health difficulties.
External BME-Specific Mental Health Support
- The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network: A directory of free counselling services for the BME community throughout the UK.
- Accept Consortium : Provides free psychotherapy and counselling services to Islington BME residents.
Resources & Support Tools
Racial and Xenophobic Harassment
If you experience or witness racial, xenophobic, or any other harassment on campus, there are ways to report it and sources of support.
Other Resources
All students have access to a range of resources for mental health and wellbeing, including apps, websites, and videos accessible off campus.
UCL's Report + Support
UCL’s online tool Report + Support allows students and staff to report bullying, harassment, racism, and sexual misconduct. Reports can be made anonymously or with an advisor's help. UCL is committed to removing barriers to reporting and providing improved support. You can also report hate crimes through the Students' Union UCL Hate Crime Reporting Centre, which offers a confidential platform and support.
Active Bystander Strategies
We encourage everyone to stand together and be active bystanders. The Students' Union UCL offers information and workshops on how to be an active bystander. Please do not let bullying or harassment go unchallenged. We are all responsible for ensuring that UCL is a safe, supportive environment for our staff and students.