Long term support for your study is only available through what is called DISABLED STUDENTS ALLOWANCE (DSA), a non means tested support package for UK students. The term DSA can put many people off from applying but it is only called DSA as a long term condition such a mental health condition is defined as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, so is a protected characteristic by law.
Long term support requires application, approval and funding through your relevant student finance body. Details of your relevant application process and forms can be accessed via your student finance website, under ‘support for people with disabilities’.
What sort of support could I get?
Support is tailored according to your individual learning and support needs. This can include IT equipment and software, specialist tutoring, notetaking, book/photocopying allowances and mental health mentoring, which is delivered by the Wellbeing Service team. This support can contribute immensely to your successful study here at Swansea University.
When should I apply for DSA?
The process usually takes around 6-8 weeks with all the correct documentation having been submitted before support can be put in place. Therefore, we always advise you to apply prior to coming to university (you can normally start doing so from April onwards) well in advance of your enrolment if you already have a mental health condition. However, you can apply at any time during your studies if you have the appropriate medical evidence.
I cannot be bothered to fill in the forms right now…
Many people are put off as you have to fill in forms and provide up to date medical evidence of your condition (which does come at a cost via your GP etc). Please note this is a very ill-advised response because:-
- The benefits of the support on offer far outweigh the relatively small inconvenience and cost of completing an application
- The support is there for the duration of your studies
If I arrive at the university without DSA they have to give the support anyway don’t they?
This type of support CANNOT be provided by the university without you having been through the process even if you start to experience difficulties. This is because it is funded by Student Finance and is not part of the universities funding. So, for example, we cannot put mentoring in place as the money from Student Finance has not been made available to employ a mentor. We also cannot put any support in place and be paid by Student Finance in retrospect while an application is being processed as the assessments conducted are independent are we cannot second guess what support will be recommended.
I now have DSA but do not know how to arrange the support
If your DSA is in relation to a mental health condition please fill in one of our registration forms stating this is the case and we can direct you to one of our mental health coordinators who can advise you on how to make arrangements for your support.
One of the recommendations is Mental Health Mentoring? What is that?
Mentoring offers you the opportunity to have regular (generally weekly) one to one support with someone who has specialist skills to help you with the following:-
- Support with managing your mental wellbeing by balancing academic work and health difficulties
- Help to develop coping strategies and skills to maximise your study potential and allow academic progress e.g.
- Motivation and goal setting
- Time management strategies
- Organisational skills
- Build on strengths and increase confidence
- Regular review of the impact of your mental health on your academic progress