Butler Cares

Butler Cares is the name given to Josephine Butler College’s student support offer and wellbeing programming. It brings together all the ways the College provides guidance, signposting, and practical support to help students navigate university life as independent and autonomous adults. 

Every student at Durham University is a member of a College, and at Josephine Butler College this membership gives access to a clear, structured support network. The College Student Support Team is available during office hours to offer advice on wellbeing, academic pressures, and personal circumstances. Their role is to help students understand their options and connect them to relevant University services, rather than making decisions for them. 

Students also benefit from the work of our Student Welfare Volunteers, trained peers who can offer signposting and run wellbeing activities that strengthen community and resilience. 

Support continues outside of standard office hours through our first aid-trained RSAs (Porters). They act as the first point of contact for urgent concerns and can reach the Out of Hours Student Support Duty Officer when required, ensuring students can access timely assistance if a situation becomes more complex.  

As part of Butler Cares, the College also offers a range of proactive wellbeing initiatives. Regular Student Support drop-ins provide opportunities to speak 1:1 with staff about any concerns; Monday Mindset offers a calm, supervised study space to help students focus at the start of the week and build productive routines; and Wellbeing Wednesdays creates a relaxed, cafe-style space for crafts, conversation, and connection. Together with similar activities, these initiatives help students build structures, connect with their peers, learn new skills, and sustain their wellbeing. 

In addition, Butler Cares includes a hardship fund, offering modest, targeted financial assistance for students facing exceptional and unforeseen pressures. The process is simple, responsive, and accessed through the College Student Support Team. 

Taken together, these elements form the complete Butler Cares offer, a suite of support and programmes that provide guidance, reassurance, and practical support, helping students to make informed decisions and thrive as independent adults.