University response to the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria
This page provides information about the University’s response to the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, as well as advice and support for staff and students impacted.
The collegiate University offers its deepest sympathy and support to any student or staff member affected by the recent tragic events in Turkey and Syria. On Thursday 9 February, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for People & Digital and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education wrote to all University staff and students with Turkish or Syrian nationality offering support and practical advice. Some key resources have also been shared with them.
How to help
Staff and students are already working to support those affected by the earthquake:
- University members have compiled a ‘Guide for donating with impact’, with a carefully selected list of organisations contributing to relief efforts in the region which are accepting donations
- The Oxford University Turkish Society is helping to raise money for relief and rescue efforts
There are a number of other ways our community can help, including:
- the Oxfam/DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal
- the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal
- the UNHCR Syria appeal
- the UN Crisis Relief’s Türkiye-Syria Earthquake Appeal
Many colleges are also coordinating efforts; please speak to your colleagues to find out more.
Oxford's expert commentary on the Turkish/Syrian earthquake
Oxford has a wide range of leading thinkers on this area, natural disasters and the impacts of the current crisis.
Monday 6 March, 5-7pm: Lecture on the Syria/Türkiye earthquakes: science, responses, aftermath
*Richard Walker, Professor of Tectonics: What are earthquakes, and how can the most recent earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye be contextualised?
*Martin Williams, Professor of Civil Engineering and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Education: How do engineers design buildings, especially with reinforced concrete, to withstand large earthquakes?
*Karabekir Akkoyunlu, Lecturer in the Politics of the Middle East: How was Türkiye affected by the earthquakes and how did the disaster response unfold?
*Amr Shayah, Syrian Refugee and Human Rights Defender: How was Syria affected by the earthquakes and how does humanitarian aid reach those affected in Syria?
McGregor Matthews Room, New College
Recent articles
- Expert comment: Professor Walker on the Türkiye/Syria earthquake disaster
- Erdoğan, the earthquake and the failings in my homeland by Elif Shafak (ft.com)
- Turkish novelist Elif Shafak reflects on the earthquake in Turkey (npr.org audio)
- Protecting our children in a crisis
Welfare support for staff
Please speak to your line manager or supervisor or a colleague to ask for support if these events are affecting you.
There are a number of welfare services available to provide support to you at this time, confidentially and free of charge. The following webpage summarises these, and there are further details of a few resources below:
Looking after you. Health | Staff Gateway (ox.ac.uk)
If you feel anxious or in distress and want to speak to someone outside the University:
- Samaritans is an independent listening service – always available 24/7 by telephone or online chat.
If you want to speak to a mental health professional now:
- The NHS Mental Health Helpline is open 24/7 for people who need mental health care when their situation is not life-threatening.
- Togetherall is an NHS-approved service providing mental health support 24/7 to staff and students, wherever you are in the world. Register free with your Oxford email to talk online to a mental health professional using the 'message a Wall Guide' feature, or connect with other staff and students through online forums.
- Oxford Safe Haven offers short-term support out of hours for people in Oxfordshire who are experiencing a mental health crisis including suicidal thoughts, via telephone and face-to-face support.
The University’s Counselling Service has prepared guidance for staff on coping with a traumatic event (SSO required).
Other information that you may find helpful can be found at Mental health crisis support | Staff Gateway (ox.ac.uk).
Welfare support for students
There are a number of welfare services available to provide support to you at this time, confidentially and free of charge. Your college welfare team may also offer additional services and we would urge you to contact them in the first instance.
If you feel anxious or in distress and want to speak to someone outside the University
- Nightline is an independent listening, support and information service run for and by students, offering instant messaging, Skype and telephone support
- Samaritans is an independent listening service – always available 24/7 by telephone or online chat.
If you want to speak to a mental health professional now
- NHS Mental Health Helpline is open 24/7 for people who need mental health care when their situation is not life threatening
- Togetherall is an NHS-approved service providing mental health support 24/7 to students, wherever you are in the world. Register free with your Oxford email to talk online to a mental health professional using the ‘message a wall guide’ feature or connect with other students through online forums
- Oxford Safe Haven offers short-term support out-of-hours for people in Oxfordshire who are experiencing a mental health crisis including suicidal thoughts, via telephone and face-to-face support.
University Counselling Service
- The University’s Counselling Service aims to see students as soon as possible but cannot provide instant access to a mental health professional. To make an appointment, please contact [email protected]
Chaplaincy
- College Chaplains, Chapels and chaplaincy for all faiths and none operate in colleges and across the University and are available to support you during this time.
Travel and visa arrangements
As the situation evolves, we will be looking to see if there are ways we can support those affected. In the meantime, we hope you can find a service that feels right for you should you need support at this time. Please speak to your college or department for any further assistance.
Academic studies
If you are finding that the current situation is impacting your academic studies, please get in touch with your college tutor or Senior Tutor, or departmental course lead as appropriate.