Our support for conflict and humanitarian disasters

We are committed to providing support for those impacted by global crises.

Background

Since World War I, when more than 600 staff and students lost their lives, our University community has regularly been affected by war. Tragically, these events continue today and the impact is felt by our students, staff and alumni in the UK and across the world.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine prompted us to think about more direct support we can offer to people whose lives have been disrupted by war. Find out more about our Ukraine response.

In 2022, a £5 million fund was established to provide scholarships to students and fellowships to academics from countries experiencing armed conflict. As well as the fund, we also have a wide range of other support available. You can find out more about these initiatives below.

In addition, humanitarian disaster response is a focus of our interdisciplinary research. Our Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute (HCRI) is a global centre specialising in research, collaboration and education to enable improvements in crisis response on a global scale.

Our support

• We are a university of sanctuary for asylum seekers and refugees.
• For mental health and wellbeing services, students can visit the support website or the Students' Union advice centre.
• If you or someone you know has experienced or witnessed any form of bullying, harassment, discrimination, gender based violence, hate or micro-aggressions, or have a safeguarding concern, you can report it anonymously or get support from a trained advisor on our Report and Support website.
• In the event of an emergency you can contact Campus Support and Security Services 24 hours a day on 0161 306 9966. You can also use the SafeZone app.
• Support is also available from our student societies, many of which are based around nationality.
• If you require support for your studies, there are mitigating circumstances procedures in place for taught students.
• We also offer support to postgraduate researchers who experience a change in circumstances.
• If you need financial support, our Cost of Living Support Fund could help.
• The staff wellbeing section of StaffNet offers 24/7 access to counselling and support through our employee assistance programme, Health Hero.

Partner support

• The British Academy and the Council for At-Risk Academics have announced fellowships for Researchers at Risk.
• Manchester City Council lists local services for refugees on its website.

How you can help

You can donate to UK-Med, a frontline medical aid charity based at the University. In 2020 they worked in 13 countries, responding to calls for emergency medical assistance following crises like disease outbreaks, natural disasters and conflict.

Our research and teaching

• Many of our staff work to tackle issues related to conflict and you can use our online database to search for a researcher or research project.
• Related research projects include work from the HCRI to set worldwide standards for emergency medical teams, the Global Development Institute and the In Place of War Project. 
• We offer courses to help people learn more about conflict and its resolution, including our MA in Conflict and Peace Studies.