Student wellbeing

Downing’s Wellbeing Service takes a holistic and proactive approach to student wellbeing, promoting mental, physical, emotional and social wellness. The service is delivered by a Head of Student Wellbeing, a Student Wellbeing Advisor and two Student Health Practitioners (Registered Mental Health Nurse and Registered General Nurse).

The Wellbeing Service offers preventative and resilience-based interventions, including one-to-one physical and mental health support, wellbeing advice and signposting, guided wellbeing self-help, and wellbeing support plans to help students access and engage successfully with their studies. It promotes positive physical, mental and community health and runs wellbeing campaigns, activities and events throughout the academic year.

The Wellbeing Service is based in the Wellbeing Centre, Howard Lodge, and is fully accessible.

More information about student support can be found here.

The Downing Wellbeing Team

Dr Kate Daniels, Head of Student Wellbeing

Kate is a BACP-registered psychotherapist. She liaises with the College’s wider welfare network and oversees service operations and delivery.

Kate provides therapeutically informed support to any Downing student experiencing psychological, emotional or relational difficulties. Interventions include:

  • One-off wellbeing chats and check-ins, providing a reflective space in which to feel heard and understood
  • 1:1 support, advice and guidance on wellbeing-related student matters, including Support (formerly Fitness) to Study, academic functioning and engagement  
  • Signposting or referral to relevant services within College, the University or the NHS
  • Assessments and consultations for more complex mental health difficulties
  • Crisis support as needed

Kate works full-time throughout the year.

You can book an appointment with Kate via email at headofwellbeing@dow.cam.ac.uk.

Rebecca Fensome, Student Wellbeing Advisor

Rebecca is a wellbeing practitioner and BACP-registered integrative counsellor. She uses therapeutic techniques to support students experiencing stress or anxiety, relationship issues, poor executive functioning, poor sleep, lack of motivation or low mood.

Rebecca is also an experienced mindfulness instructor. She offers 1:1 tailored mindfulness support, including grounding techniques, breathwork and mindfulness meditation.

Rebecca organises and coordinates wellbeing workshops and events in College. These include psychoeducational activities and events aimed at promoting self-care and relaxation.

Rebecca works in term-time only.

You can book an appointment with Rebecca via email at wellbeing-advisor@dow.cam.ac.uk

Catia Serra, Student Health Practitioner

Catia is a registered mental health nurse who works with students to provide assessment and management of their mental and physical health support needs. She offers a safe, confidential space to discuss any health concerns. Catia can offer:

  • 1:1 support and advice for mild to moderate mental health difficulties
  • Practical strategies to manage all general wellbeing difficulties
  • First aid to treat minor injuries
  • Help to manage minor illnesses  
  • Signposting to appropriate services within the college, University or NHS
  • Crisis support and interventions

If you are experiencing any health concerns or would like support in managing your mental health, please get in touch.

Catia works full-time during term time and part-time outside of term.

You can book an appointment with Catia via Moodle or email health-practitioner@dow.cam.ac.uk. 

First Aid

A first aid box is held in the Porters’ Lodge and all Downing College Porters are trained first aiders. 

Porters' Lodge telephone: 01223 334800.

An accident form must be completed for any injury requiring first aid which is sustained on College property. Forms are available from the Porters’ Lodge.