The War, Conflict and Disaster Service

Supporting students affected by crisis

Each year, millions of people worldwide are affected by emergencies such as armed conflict and natural disasters, events that can profoundly disrupt lives and place immense strain on mental health (WHO, 2025). As London’s global university and home to a diverse international community, UCL recognises its responsibility to stand alongside and support those impacted by such crises. 

In 2022, this commitment took shape when UCL established the War, Conflict and Disaster Service in response to the invasion of Ukraine. This initiative marked an important step in addressing the longstanding needs of students affected by global emergencies. While demand for such support had existed for many years, this moment became a catalyst for meaningful and lasting action. 

Today, the War, Conflict and Disaster Service has grown into a comprehensive and inclusive programme, adapting to the complex and evolving needs of students affected by war, conflict, and disaster across the world. The service is made possible through close collaboration between UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, local NHS Talking Therapies providers, and the University Clinic within the Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology (CEHP). 

Aims of the War, Conflict and Disaster Service

1. To provide timely psychological support for students experiencing distress related to a recent or ongoing war, conflict, or disaster via ‘Cope & Connect’, based on the principles of Psychological First Aid.
2. To identify symptoms of trauma-related mental health difficulties, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and signpost to appropriate mental health services, including those offered by the University Clinic.
3. To ensure students feel genuinely heard and understood, acknowledging that distress related to war, conflict, or disaster is deeply personal and shaped by their background, social identity, and lived experience.
4. To provide and promote self-help resources that support students in managing distress related to war, conflict, or disaster, helping them continue their studies to the best of their ability.  

Please note

Psychological First Aid is not a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related mental health conditions. Instead, it is designed to address acute stress responses—the immediate emotional and psychological reactions that can occur during or shortly after a crisis.

Unlike PTSD, which involves persistent and longer-term symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, acute stress is usually short-lived and can be eased through timely, compassionate support such as ‘Cope & Connect’. 

‘Cope & Connect’

‘Cope & Connect’ is available to all UCL students residing in the UK through a collaboration between Student Support and Wellbeing Services, the Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology (CEHP), and the University Clinic. While distress is a universal human experience, its causes are often socio-political and divisive. All practitioners are trained to provide culturally sensitive support, ensuring that all sessions are respectful and tailored to each student’s background. This reflects UCL’s ‘Disagreeing Well’ principles by encouraging respectful dialogue, inclusive support, and valuing diverse perspectives. 

Based on the principles of Psychological First Aid, ‘Cope & Connect’ sessions are guided by clinically qualified mental health practitioners in collaboration with local NHS Trusts. These sessions can be provided in two formats:  

1. One-to-one sessions: Four to five individual sessions tailored to your needs, offering strategies to manage distress caused by war, conflict, or disaster, while helping you feel safe and supported. These sessions are informed by Psychological First Aid and ‘Low-Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy’ (LI-CBT) or ‘Guided Self-Help’ (GSH). Please watch the above video for more information.
2. Group sessions: Four sessions providing a safe space to explore the impact of war, conflict, or disaster while fostering peer support and community. Each group is co-facilitated with a ‘community representative’ who relates to your experience and understands your cultural background. 

The group sessions are currently being piloted as part of Grand Challenges and are not yet widely available. Designed in line with a ‘matched care’ approach, the group format is especially suitable for student societies or groups who may find it harder to engage with one-to-one support. To explore arranging a ‘Cope & Connect’ group, please email: WCDSupport@ucl.ac.uk 

How to be referred

To be referred for one-to-one ‘Cope & Connect’ sessions, please speak to your Student Adviser or by logging an Enquiry via askUCL. 

Please note that ‘Cope & Connect’ is not always suitable for everyone. All referrals are carefully reviewed, and if it becomes clear that your needs go beyond the scope of these sessions by requiring psychological therapy or specialist intervention, you will be guided to the most appropriate professional support, ensuring you receive the right care at the right time.