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University notices
Bill Bryson Library at night

Community cohesion, safety and support

Updated Thursday 30 April 2026

Cohesion

We will always strive to provide a safe and supportive community for our staff and students. Together we seek to support our students and staff and strive for community cohesion. 
We support freedom of expression within the law. We also condemn in the strongest possible terms any incidents of racism or those targeting individuals or groups for their religious, political or cultural beliefs.  
Should any incidents occur, we have clear reporting and support structures in place, details of which can be found below. 

Safety

Durham is generally a safe city for its residents, including our students and staff.   As part of our continuing work with the police and Durham County Council to make it safer still, we remind all members of our community to take three practical steps:  

1. Report any incidents  

Durham police take all reports of criminal behaviour seriously and will help you in an emergency.

In an emergency:   

  • Call 999.   

  • Then contact the University's Security Hub on 0191 334 2222.    

For non-emergencies, you can call the police on 101.   

Our SafeZone app (link is internal access only) enables you to send an emergency alert if anyone is in danger. The app is free to download. As a user you will be directly connected to the University security team who will find and assist you as quickly as possible when an emergency alert is issued. Off campus, SafeZone will connect you directly to the emergency services. You can also contact University Security directly on +44 (0)191 334 2222. 


We encourage any criminal matters to be reported promptly to the Police and the University notified.


We support any member of our University community who has been a victim of crime and anti-social behaviour. Students and staff can report their experience via our Report and Support tool.  Students can also speak to their College Student Support Team.   

2.  Stay safe out and about  

There’s a range of sensible measures you can take to keep safe – especially at night. It’s good practice to:   

  • Stick to well-lit routes when walking after dark. Download the Night Lights map.   

  • Try to stick together with friends while out and about.   

  • Take care around rivers.    

  • Not get into a taxi that is not from a taxi rank, or that you haven't booked.   

 3.  Get prepared   

You can help to prepare yourself in case you’re involved in – or see – any incidents on campus, in the city or beyond:   

Support

Students

Students should view our Student Support hub (internal access only) for information on where to access support, including from their College Student Support Office, the Counselling and Mental Health Service, or the multi-faith Chaplaincy Service. Support is also available from Durham Students’ Union. 

Staff 

Staff may seek support from their line manager and department, our Employee Assistance Programme (internal access only) which is available 24 hours every day, and our Chaplaincy Service.

Visitors 

If you are a visitor, please speak to your host who will be able to signpost support.