Inclusion & Wellbeing

Who is EUOC for?

EUOC is an all-inclusive orienteering club who welcome any Edinburgh student with open arms, regardless of experience, background, or ability. However, we understand the barriers that many students face in joining a sports club. EUOC is committed to breaking down these obstacles and is working hard to ensure that our club truly is accessible to all – we ensure that our claims of being an inclusive club are followed up by actions.

This page is a space for those who feel that orienteering is inaccessible to them, or those from a discriminated community and are looking for information about how EUOC is a safe and accommodating club for them.

If you would like to get in touch with our Wellbeing & Inclusion Officer for a chat/meeting they would love to hear from you! This year’s officer is Rachel (she/her), so send an email to [email protected] if you need any support.

Dealing with Discrimination

We do not tolerate any discrimination in our club. We are all equal and deserve to be treated as such, without microaggressions, exclusion or prejudice. We take any form of discrimination seriously and have created a form to report discrimination within our community, found below:

https://forms.gle/soofe7kenxCXCGc17

Whilst we hope that we will never need to use this, we believe it is better to be proactive rather than reactive to these situations. The form is only accessible to our Wellbeing & Inclusion Officer, who will then deal with the issue appropriately. You can either keep it anonymous or leave your name if you would like to discuss this further. If you would like to report discrimination from our Wellbeing & Inclusion Officer then either use the form or email our captain directly ([email protected]).

LGBTQI+

Non-Binary:

We understand that being a non-binary athlete can be a constant battle in having to conform to the binary nature of sport.

When buying a EUOC membership no gender options are provided – it is a one size fits all purchase. SU membership options are more detailed and they are currently working on creating a more inclusive membership sign-up.

Our Thursday night orienteering sessions (training & biweekly winter events) aren’t gendered; everyone completes a course which they want to do based on distance/difficulty. Similarly, our Tuesday night interval sessions are of mixed gender. We have limited control over non-binary categories in races we don’t organise, however for our ‘Big Weekend’ races in January we are working on a way to be as inclusive as possible – watch this space!

If you have any questions or concerns then please do get in touch at [email protected]. We will do our best to ensure you feel comfortable and included in our sessions and trips.

Transgender:

There is no place for transphobia in EUOC. We fully affirm that trans women are women & trans men are men – we respect the right which we all have to freedom of gender identity and expression.

If you have any worries about joining our club, please get in email [email protected] to ensure you feel comfortable coming to our training/trips/socials.

British Orienteering (BOF) have a transgender policy linked below, which is helpful for those looking to compete in wider orienteering competitions. As a club EUOC stands with those who are transgender, so this policy is only necessary in events out of our control. Get in touch if you would like our Wellbeing & Inclusion Officer to help break down what this policy means for you & query any confusions with BOF on your behalf.

https://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/keydocuments

Financial Hurdles

We understand that participating in sport is a privilege that not everyone has. There are many financial hurdles in joining our club that we are trying to address.

We have a variety of club kit that we can lend out to our members, such as compasses & head torches. Speak to our coach at training about this, or email [email protected] for more details.

We are working on reduced memberships and financial support for members who need it, but if you need help/advice in the meantime then please get in touch and we will do our best to support your involvement in our club.

Activities & Sports Participation Grant:

This is a grant run by the Student’s Association in place to support students who need financial help in joining and taking part in Sports Union activities. Students can apply for a grant of up to £200 and this can help pay for membership, kit, competition fees, travel costs, etc.

The grant is however only for UK undergraduate students (or postgraduate students who were) in receipt of a UoE Access Scholarship.

More details can be found at this link:

https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-recruitment/widening-participation/projects/current-students-university-of-edinburgh/activities-sports-participation-grant

Disability

Millions of people in the UK have a disability, whether that is a physical or ‘hidden’ disability they all impact a person’s ability to participate in sport. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in orienteering so if you have a disability please get in touch at [email protected] for more information about how we can adapt our sessions/trips/socials for you! You will be put in touch with our Wellbeing & Inclusion Officer who will discuss options with you and ensure we are an accessible club to you.

Racism

EUOC stands with those from BIPOC communities. We recognise the discrimination, biases and microaggressions BIPOC people experience and we do not tolerate any form of racism.

Our club is open to all ethnicities and if there is anything we can do to make you feel more welcome or safe then we would love to hear from you.

We are looking at ways to proactively include those from BIPOC communities over the coming year, so more information will be posted regarding that in the future.

Gender-Based Violence

GBV is a harmful act directed at an individual based on their gender, and includes a large number of acts such as sexual harassment, abuse, stalking, grooming and stereotypes. Anyone can be affected by this type of violence however research shows that GBV mostly affects women.

The nature of our sport means that our athletes have to get to different locations around Edinburgh each week in the evenings – we understand that not everyone feels comfortable in doing this alone. On our weekly training posts (on our training Facebook page) our coach will write a group meeting point & time for anyone wanting to jog to training together. This is also a nice way to meet some people in the club so win-win!

If you are still concerned then please do get in touch and we will make more specific arrangements to ensure you feel happy travelling to our training/socials.

Medical Conditions

There are many medical conditions which may be a barrier to participating in sports, such as diabetes, epilepsy or mental health issues. These conditions can be a source of worry for athletes and present some logistical problems which can put people off joining a club such as EUOC. We are working hard to make EUOC a space for all and will do our best to ensure you feel comfortable joining in with our sessions, socials and trips.

There is always a solution, so please get in touch at [email protected] and we will work out some answers & adaptations of our activities for you – nothing is too silly or too small if it is impacting your ability to join in with our club.

Religion

Details coming soon.

Wellbeing

This section has helplines, resources and charities which all specialise in dealing with mental health and other wellbeing issues. Asking for help is brave, and sometimes it can be overwhelming finding the support you need. Well done for taking this step, we’re proud of you. We have split up resources into categories to help you find what you’re looking for, however if you still need some help in getting started please feel free to message our Wellbeing & Inclusion Officer who would happily chat through your options in a sign-posting manner.

Are you in need of urgent help?

If you feel that you are a danger to yourself or you can’t cope any longer, you should seek help straight away. Go to your nearest A&E department or call 999. You deserve immediate help so the emergency services are here to help you.

If you need immediate support but don’t want to visit A&E, you can call the following 24hr emergency services:

  • NHS 24 – call 111
  • Mental Health Assessment Service (MHAS) – call 0131 286 8137
    • This is a nurse-led emergency service in Edinburgh
  • Edinburgh Crisis Centre – call 0808 801 0414

Listening Services:

If you need to speak to someone quickly, you can call a helpline/listening service. They support you without judgment. Here are some services that are here to listen:

  • Samaritans National Line – call 116 123 (available 24/7)
  • Breathing Space Helpline – call 0800 83 85 87 (available 6pm-2am daily)

Student Specific Resources

Edinburgh University Student’s Association (EUSA):

EUSA has a section on their website called “The Advice Place”: https://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/adviceplace

Here is an extensive site for resources addressing issues run by a team of professionally trained advisors here to support Edinburgh students. You can speak directly to an advisor by calling 0131 374 4581, or emailing [email protected].

Support is given in the following areas:

  • Academic
  • Accommodation
  • Complaints & Conduct
  • Harassment, Safety & Crime
  • Money
  • Wellbeing

TogetherAll:

This is an online mental health & wellbeing service offering self-help programmes, creative outlets and a peer support community monitored by mental health professionals. This is available 24/7 to students and for FREE when you sign up with your ed.ac.uk email address.

It is a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself and learn how to manage your mental health.

https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-counselling/self-help/togetherall

Feeling Good App: Homepage

This can reduce stress, depression & anxiety, and can calm the body and mind. The app is free to all students, and provides positive mental health training through a self-help programme.

General Mental Health Support

GP:

CALM:

CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably. It is a charity providing a mental health helpline and webchat.

Mental Health Foundation:

Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.

www.mentalhealth.org.uk

MIND:

Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.

  • Phone: 0300 772 9844 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
  • Website: www.mind.org.uk

Rethink Mental Illness:

A charity which gives support and advice for people living with mental illness.

  • Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30 to 4pm)
  • Website: www.rethink.org

Eating Disorders

Anorexia & Bulimia Care (ABC):

ABC is a UK organisation which provides on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders and eating distress. Their phone/email helplines & other support services are available to those struggling personally, their family, carers and friends.

Helpline:

  • 03000 11 12 13 (Wednesday/Thursday/Friday 9am-1pm & 2pm-5pm)
  • For discussing issues around food, eating and the reasons why you have developed disordered eating or an eating disorder.

Pip’s Place Online:

  • This is a weekly, recovery-centred, online support hub, running every Tuesday 9am-4pm. It offers 1:1 appointments over zoom with a member from the support team, and online support groups for individuals and family/friends. Appointments are 40 minutes long.

Beat:

A charity which offers information and advice on eating disorders, and runs an online supportive community.

Information they can provide includes:

  • Different types of eating disorder
  • How to tell someone about your eating disorder
  • How to get treatment
  • How to approach an appointment with a GP
  • Early signs of an eating disorder
  • Supporting those who are worried about others having an eating disorder

Suicide

Charities such as CALM and Mind previously mentioned on this page are useful for suicide support.

PAPYRUS:

This is the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. They provide confidentional support & advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline, HOPELINEUK.

Shout:

A free UK 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. If you don’t want to speak on the phone but need immediate help then this is a great solution.

Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258.

Website: https://giveusashout.org/

Support within EUOC

Wellbeing & Inclusion Officer

This years Wellbeing & Inclusion Officer is Rachel, and she is EUOC’s first point of contact for any mental health/inclusion concerns.

If you need any support from Rachel then send her an email at [email protected], or speak to her at training/socials!

Mental Health First Aider

Kat (she/her) is a Mental Health First Aider who is happy to talk to any EUOC members about any mental health struggles/concerns they are having. She will deal with this in a confidential and discrete manner, and is able to support you and signpost you to appropriate services. Equally if you are worried about others within the club then do give her a message/have a chat at any EUOC activities.

Either give Kat a message on Facebook or email her at [email protected]…

Committee

Additionally, any committee members are happy to offer you support in any way possible. We all experience life & uni stress, so will be able to listen and empathise with your experiences. Please always reach out to someone, no problem is too silly.

Counselling

Being able to afford therapy is a privilege. Here are a couple places you can look if you need support in getting the help you deserve.

PF Counselling:

Anyone over age 18 is welcome at PF counselling, regardless of your ability to pay. They do ask clients to make a regular donation if you are able to do so. Some people donate £5, some can afford the full price of £50 per session, but it is based on what you can afford.

Your initial appointment will be within around 4-6 weeks of them receiving your request form (found on their website). They offer 12 sessions initially.

Counselling is for everyone: depression, anxiety, stress, self-confidence, abuse, difficulties in relationships etc.

https://pfcounselling.org.uk/helping-you/embed/#?secret=PPNCYxp1BM#?secret=SWgkbr5owf

Joshua Nolan Foundation:

This foundation works with therapists that are trained to save children and adult lives. They support anyone, regardless of age/gender, in Scotland with their 1-1 therapy service. Due to COVID-19, many of their services are available online. The charity funds up to 80% of the costs for up to 10 sessions.

https://www.joshuanolanfoundation.org

Anxiety

Anxiety UK:

A charity providing support for those with an anxiety condition.

No Panic:

A voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Anxiety Self-Help Guide:

The NHS has created a 30 minute online self-help guide which aims to help you to:

  • Find out if you have symptoms of anxiety
  • Understand more about anxiety
  • Find ways to manage or overcome anxiety

This is for those with general anxiety symptoms (mild-to-moderate)

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/mental-health-self-help-guides/anxiety-self-help-guide

Stress

https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/stress/struggling-with-stress

Financial Problems

https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/stress/coping-with-money-worries

Depression

Students Against Depression: Home

This is a website offering advice, information, guidance and resources to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking. It is a website run by students, for students, supplemented by clinically-validated information & resources.

NHS Depression Self-Help Guide:

The NHS has created a 30 minute online self-help guide which aims to help you:

  • Find out if you have symptoms of depression
  • Understand more about depression
  • Find ways to manage or overcome depression.

It is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which helps you to challenge negative thoughts to free yourself from unhelpful thought & behaviour patterns.

Depression self-help guide

LGBTQI+

LGBT Health:

Provides confidential counselling and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) sessions to any person who identifies as LGBTQ+. This is a donation only service.

Trans Mindline+:

Free, confidential support for those questioning their gender identity, transitioning or friends/family/caring for someone who is.

Gay and Lesbian Switchboard:

Free, confidential listening space for all LGBTQ+ folks. An online chat function can be used.

Abuse

Refuge:

Provides specialist support to women, children and some men escaping domestic violence and other forms of violence.

Refuge’s specialist services include refuges, independent advocacy, community outreach projects, culturally specific services and the 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline.

RED-S

What is RED-S?

  • RED-S = Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport
  • This s a condition of energy deficiency which means energy input isn’t meeting the energy demands of the body – this can be due to insufficient fuelling or excessive training. RED-S effects all body systems (see images) and affects all genders, ages and abilities.
  • RED-S can be voluntary (a conscious decision to restrict dietary intake) or involuntary (not realising how much fuel is needed, often as the athlete fails to appreciate the metabolic demands of daily life, such as commuting, working, studying).

What is the difference between RED-S and Overtraining Syndrome?

  • Overtraining Syndrome (OTS) = prolonged fatigue and under-performance when recovery from training is inadequate for a long period of time. A recent literature review has concluded that many cases of OTS are actually misdiagnosed RED-S.
  • This link has some information about how to recognise the difference between RED-S and OTS: http://health4performance.co.uk/how-to-distinguish…/

What are the Symptoms of RED-S?

Physiological

  • Reproductive health – lack of 3 consecutive periods or change in menstrual function in females or a decline in morning erectile function in males.
  • Poor development of muscle mass.
  • Difficulties staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
  • Constipation or feeling bloated.
  • Fatigue.
  • Stress fractures.
  • Significant weight loss.
  • Depressed immune system.
  • Dental and gum problems.

Behavioural

  • Pre-occupation and constantly talking about food.
  • Poor sleep patterns.
  • Restriction or strict control of food intake.
  • Becoming withdrawn or reclusive.
  • Anxiety.
  • Irritable.

Performance

  • Poor recovery between training sessions.
  • Decreased training response.
  • Decreased endurance performance.

This is not an exhaustive list!

I think I have RED-S, what should I do?

  • Go to your GP with all your symptoms written down. RED-S at this point in time is a diagnosis of exclusion so your doctor will need to do investigations to ensure there are no other issues going on. Many symptoms are similar to Lyme’s disease so push to get tested for this. Also inform them of how much exercise you are doing. RED-S is a relatively new concept (established in 2014) so doctors might not be aware of it, hence why you might need to suggest it to them.
  • Give yourself a chance to process this, it can be difficult to handle.
  • Watch the recording of our talk with Renee from last year, it delves into a lot of really helpful points: https://www.facebook.com/events/3650404615086415/…

I’m worried about a friend, what should I do?

  • Recognising these symptoms in a friend can be difficult to deal with. It is hard to know what to say, when to say it – often this leads to us saying nothing at all cause it’s easier. However sometimes these things are easier to recognise from an outside perspective, so if you are concerned it is important to reach out.
  • Here is a website page which has information on how to raise these topics to friends/family: http://health4performance.co.uk/parents-friends/

Where can I find out about other people’s experiences?

Resources:

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