We wanted to acknowledge the serious incident that took place in Epsom earlier this month that has also prompted some local unrest.
Dear students,
We wanted to acknowledge the serious incident that took place in Epsom earlier this month that has also prompted some local unrest. We understand some of you may have been caught up in the protests travelling to and from the University and have been very worried about them. We are working with Surrey Police to ensure we are alerted to any future possible protests and will keep you informed.
Support available at UCA
If you have been affected by the recent events in any way, please know that you are not alone and support is available to you. Remember, support is available from our Campus Life team:
You can also access online wellbeing resources and support via UCA's wellbeing tools.
You are also welcome to speak to your Students’ Union. You can contact the ASK team at ucasu.com/ask or visit them in the office (the hallway by the canteen).
Discrimination has no place at UCA, and we are committed to creating a culture of respect that is safe, inclusive and welcoming for our students, staff and visitors. It is vital that we stand together as a community.
At UCA we want to make it as easy and safe as possible for you to speak out about unacceptable behaviour. Our Report+Support online platform is a quick, easy, and anonymous tool for reporting incidents and accessing and requesting support.
Every report is taken seriously by UCA – you can be confident our trained teams will deal with reports sensitively, honestly, and professionally.
Staying safe in Epsom town centre
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Stick to well-lit and busy areas. This increases visibility and reduces the risk of being a target.
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Plan your route ahead of time. Knowing where you're going helps you stay on track and avoid getting lost.
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Use licensed taxis. Always use official taxis and be aware of your surroundings.
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Stay connected. Keep in touch with friends and family to stay informed about your whereabouts.
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There’s safety in numbers. If you’re heading somewhere after dark, going with a friend is always better than going alone.
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Trust your instinct. If something or someone feels off, don’t ignore it. Change direction, go into a shop, or move toward a busier area.
External safety resources
Strut Safe: A UK-wide phone line. If you're walking alone, their volunteers will be a friendly voice to keep you company and help you feel safe until you are through the door.
Walk Safe: The UK’s leading personal safety app with award winning safety map and journey sharing features.
Solace Centre: Free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people of all ages in Surrey that have experienced sexual assault. Call 0330 223 0099 (available 24/7, 365 days a year).
Emergency support
Although emergencies aren’t common, it is important to know what to do if you find yourself or others in immediate need of help. If you require an Ambulance, the Fire Service or Police, call the free telephone number 999 and state:
If you are on campus, please notify our security team on 07919 320 235 after calling 999.
Friday 24 April - Peaceful Sitting Protest
A peaceful sitting protest has been organised for Friday 24 April at 7pm in Roseberry Park. The protest is intended to raise awareness against violence against women, show solidarity with victims and survivors, and encourage support, compassion and change. Everyone is welcome to come together peacefully and stand for safety, respect and justice.
Although this peachful is intended to be peaceful, we would like to encourage students to take care and be safe when travelling nearby.
Kind regards,
Dr Julie King
Executive Dean, Epsom School of Creative Business, Fashion & Enterprise
Shayaike Hassan
Students' Union President - Epsom