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Kindness Connects Us
Different Voices, One Community
Together we are stronger
At the University of Portsmouth, kindness helps create a community where everyone feels welcome, respected and connected.
The small things matter. A conversation. An invitation. A helping hand. A moment of understanding.
This year, we're celebrating five simple ways we can all help make our university a kinder place for everyone.
Kindness starts with us.
Five acts of kindness
Listen
To listen is always a gift worth giving.
Everyone has a story, an idea or an experience worth hearing. So, make space for their voice.
Try it today: Start a conversation. Stay curious.
Examples how you can help:
- Our Student Voice Policy sets out the ways you can voice views and opinions about your studies and the wider student experience. This includes student surveys and freedom of speech, as well as countless forums and informal conversations which help enrich lives.
Include
Belonging begins when you include others.
Our community is strongest when everyone feels included. So, be welcoming.
A smile, an introduction or a simple invitation can turn strangers into friends.
Try it today: A little welcome goes a long way.
Examples how you can help:
- Join a whole range of different cultural, faith and interest Student Groups. There are over 100 welcoming groups to choose from who will gladly share their interests, passions and enthusiasm with fellow students.
Celebrate
Celebrate all our differences.
Different backgrounds, viewpoints and experiences make our community richer.
Be curious today. Learn someone’s story.
Try it today: Help everyone feel they belong.
Examples how you can help:
- University and Students’ Union events are a great way to meet different people with different life experiences.
Speak Up
When you speak up, you make a difference.
We should all stand up for dignity and a safer community.
Try it today: If something feels wrong today, don’t stay silent.
Example how you can help:
- Report and Support is an online tool available to all students and staff at the University. It allows you to anonymously report to us if something has happened to you or someone else within our community.
Respect
To respect each other, we don’t always have to agree.
Treating people well means respecting different views. Remember, it’s okay to differ.
Respect helps everyone feel valued and heard.
Your opinion matters. So does theirs.
Examples how you can help:
- All students have been asked to complete online training to help all students understand sexual harassment and misconduct, consent, active bystander behaviour, and how to access support.
Need Support?
Being kind also means knowing when to seek support, for yourself or someone else.
If you're worried about something or need help, support is available.
Student Wellbeing
Your health and wellbeing matters. Access resources for your mental and physical health, including support from Student Wellbeing, university counselling, and tips for self-care.
Urgent support
If you need support urgently, all the important contacts are here.
Chaplaincy
Whether you have faith or not, to talk or be still, our space is yours. The Chaplaincy is there to support all students, of any faith or none.
Societies and Students' Union
How to get involved in your Union including the clubs and societies you can join.
Join the Conversation
Share your examples of kindness and help inspire others.
#KindnessConnectsUs
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