How I might be able to help

University life can be challenging, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Whether you’re dealing with academic pressures, personal issues, or simply need someone to talk to, having a supportive person to confide in can make a world of difference. That’s where I come in.

My name is Adrian Clark, and I am the Student Health & Wellbeing Manager at the University of London, as well as the Warden of Connaught Hall. With over 20 years of experience providing pastoral support to students, 5 years of medical training, and 17 years practising medicine, I’ve encountered a vast array of human concerns. There’s not much I haven’t heard before, but that doesn’t mean I approach your concerns with preconceived notions. Every person’s experience is unique, and I am committed to understanding your situation as it truly is for you. There’s nothing you should feel nervous or embarrassed to discuss with me—my approach is always nonjudgmental, and I’m here to listen and support you, with an open mind and a desire to understand your individual perspective.

Who is eligible?

• Current student residents at Connaught Hall
• Current student residents of any Intercollegiate Hall who have registered for our enhanced support package for care leavers and estranged young people
• Current student residents of any Intercollegiate Hall who identify as trans
  

Other Intercollegiate Halls student residents should approach their Hall Warden for support in the first instance. 

Why You Might Meet with Me

Students choose to meet with me for many reasons. You might be experiencing stress or anxiety, facing conflicts with friends or flatmates, or struggling with feelings of loneliness. Perhaps you need help working through a decision or problem, or you just want someone to listen to your concerns. Whatever the situation, I’m here to offer a safe, confidential space where you can talk openly about what’s on your mind.

My role is to provide pastoral and wellbeing support to students like you, helping you work through issues or concerns you might be facing. However, it’s important to understand that I am not a counsellor, therapist, or psychologist—my support comes from a place of experience, empathy, and a genuine desire to help, rather than clinical psychotherapy training.

What a Meeting with Me Is Like

When you come to see me, you can expect a relaxed and open conversation. I’m a good listener, and my main goal is to make you feel comfortable and understood. You might not have everything figured out before our meeting, and that’s perfectly fine. Often, just talking things through can help you find clarity and relief.

During our conversation, I may ask questions to help you think about your situation from different perspectives. I sometimes use techniques borrowed from solution-focused brief therapy and motivational interviewing to help you identify the key questions you need to answer and guide you in finding those answers yourself. This approach encourages you to take the lead in resolving your concerns.

While I am happy to provide guidance, I typically refrain from giving advice unless you specifically ask for it. My focus is on helping you discover your own solutions, which can be empowering and lead to more lasting change and meaningful outcomes.

Confidentiality and Safety

The support I provide is confidential, and you can trust that our conversations will remain private. However, there are rare circumstances where I may need to share information with others—specifically if I believe there is a serious risk to your safety or the safety of someone else. In such cases, I might need to inform emergency services, other healthcare providers, or relevant university services like counselling or safeguarding.

Wherever possible, I will seek your consent before sharing any information and will take your preferences into account regarding who is informed. My priority is to ensure your safety and wellbeing, while also respecting your autonomy and choices.

What I Cannot Offer

While I am a doctor with a background in emergency medicine, it’s crucial to understand that I am not offering medical consultations or advice during our meetings. If you need medical help, it’s important to see a healthcare professional who can assess your situation and provide the appropriate treatment.

Similarly, if you’re seeking therapy or counselling, I can help point you in the right direction to find those services, but I am not a substitute for professional mental health support. My role is to offer pastoral and wellbeing support, which is different from the clinical care you would receive from a psychologist or therapist.

How I Can Help

The help I offer is centred around listening, supporting, and guiding you through your challenges. Whether you need to talk things through, clarify your concerns, or explore possible next steps, I’m here to assist you. My goal is to help you feel more confident in navigating your situation and to ensure that you have the support you need to succeed.

Remember, you don’t have to face your challenges alone, and it’s okay to reach out for help. If you’re unsure whether meeting with me is the right step, feel free to get in touch, and we can discuss whether a conversation might be helpful for you.

University life has its ups and downs, and my role is to support you through the tougher times so that you can make the most of your experience here. Whether you need a sounding board, guidance, or just a listening ear, I’m here for you—without judgment, and with a focus on what matters most to you.

More information

• Feeling Supported: Wellbeing resources in your hall
• Support to Reside in the Intercollegiate Halls: Our positive and recovery-focussed approach
• Confidentiality in Student Support: How we keep your information private
• Understanding your mental health options
• Phone lines you can call for urgent help