Health and Wellbeing Team

The Welfare and Wellbeing Team

Head of Student Wellbeing

I am Hanne Clark, Head of Student Wellbeing at St John’s College Oxford. I have worked in student support at Oxford University for 8 years and at St John’s since 2023. My team and I are always happy to meet students who would like to talk about any aspect of their Oxford life which is impacting their wellbeing or welfare. We will meet with you, hear your concerns and help you identify what options you have for support and help. Sometimes a quick chat is all it takes to see the wood for the trees or other times, support can be needed for much longer. We can help you find the service or team in College, the University or sometimes the local community who can best help. We offer support to move forwards at a pace which suits you.

College Psychologist

I am Dr Denise Barulis, College Pyschologist . I am a clinical psychologist by training and have worked with students offering one:one sessions at St John’s College for 17 years. I am inspired by the resilience students demonstrate and their openness to change.

The starting point of my meetings with students is usually validation of the student experience, setting a shared agenda and identifying goals and then we typically work together to enhance coping skills. I aim for a therapeutic conversation informed by an eclectic range of therapy models. I have 35 years experience in mental health service provision and supervision and I believe we can make a difference.

College Nurse

I am Kinneret Milgrom, St John’s College Nurse, I enjoy supporting students to make informed choices about their physical and mental health. I particularly love working with young adults as they take their first steps into adulthood and living independently. Outside of work, I am passionate about informal outdoor education for youth, and love attending camps with my family.

Students can see me for confidential professional support on a variety of health issues: Minor illnesses, Accidents and Injuries, Contraceptive Pill Checks, Sexual Health, Health Travel Advice, initial Mental Health Support, Assistance in navigating the NHS for International Students and more.

Chiropractor

I am Annabel James. I work with the St John’s Wellbeing team offering mini massages as part of wellbeing events. I trained in massage initially and then as a chiropractor, and have always enjoyed working with a wide range of people. My particular interest is in the link between the body and brain, understanding how our musculoskeletal system can be impacted by physical (sitting for long periods) or mental (meeting an essay deadline) stresses.

I really enjoy being part of the St John's Wellbeing Team providing massage to the students and helping them to focus on their physical health and feel how that impacts their mental well being. We all need to look after our bodies, they are the only place we have to live!

Wellbeing Practitioner

I’m Nicky Reed, I work with the St John’s Wellbeing team offering sessions centred around mindfulness, self-compassion, nature connection and sound baths. I worked at the University for 8 years coordinating wellbeing activities for students. More recently I was based in a retreat centre in Devon, facilitating mindfulness and nature connection retreats. My training is in counselling, mindfulness and compassion, nature connection facilitation and sound healing. I love working in the field of wellbeing, helping students to learn a range of tools they can take home with them to feel generally happier, calmer and more resourced in everyday life.

Yoga Teacher

I am Katie McNeil and I teach yoga at St John's College. I completed my yoga teacher training in 2020 and continue to deepen my knowledge with over 600 hours of training in a range of modalities, including trauma-informed teaching. I am also a trained Breathwork and Meditation teacher. Here at the College, I teach a gentle vinyasa flow with an emphasis on mindfully connecting to mind, body, and breath.

I believe in fostering a sense of personal agency within each student's yoga journey, assisting them in building a personal toolkit to navigate life's ebb and flow. A big part of my philosophy is the belief that yoga should be inclusive and accessible to all who wish to engage.

I have also spent just over 10 years working as a PA within many of the university departments so I am well versed in the challenges that students face through their studies and hope that my classes here can serve as a little self care away from the pressure that academic life can sometimes feel.

Therapy pets

I am Christina Surawy and this is Hubble. I am a clinical psychologist and still work freelance, mostly in the field of mindfulness. I have been going to colleges, schools and nursing homes with Hubble for over a year now, since he was registered with the Pets as Therapy organization. Our visits in schools involve being with children who have behavioural issues and he is a soothing presence for them. That is the intention in him coming to visit the Oxford colleges, as well as to provide a welcome distraction, stress relief from the busy Oxford terms and link with home and animals.

College Cats

We are Baylie (bottom, left), Case (top, left) and Laud (right), your College Cats. Connect with us by coming on an SJC Wellbeing Community Cat Stake Out or happen across us in the College Grounds in your own time. We don't say much, but we are great listeners!

Medical care

College Nurse
Kinneret Milgrom
tel 01865 277369

The surgery is open during term (weeks 0-9) at the following times:

• Mondays 13.00-17.00
• Tuesdays 15.00-18.00
• Thursdays 9.00-11.30

The Nurse’s office is North Quad 5, room 1 and is fully accessible. Current students can book an appointment on the Intranet here. Appointments can be face to face or online via Teams. If you feel you need a longer appointment e.g. to discuss a mental health issue such as anxiety or depression, please book two consecutive slots. Consultations are strictly confidential. 

College Doctor
Dr Debbie Waller
19 Beaumont Street
tel 01865 240501

The Oxford Emergency Medical Service (OXEMS) provides an out-of-hours service from 6pm to 8am. If you ring the Beaumont Street surgery during those hours, you will be given a number to ring.

The surgery also runs a very good travel clinic for those wishing advice for foreign travel.

For urgent cases out of hours - call 111.

In a life-threatening emergency - call 999 and update the lodge.

Dental practice

Studental
Helena Kennedy Student Centre
Headington Hill Campus
Oxford Brookes University
Headington Road, Oxford OX3 0BP

Monday-Friday, 8.00 am–6.00 pm

tel 01865 689997
email Studental
http://www.studental.co.uk

Counselling

Our College Psychologist is  Dr Denise Barulis. If you would like to see her, either to discuss issues concerning yourself or because you are anxious about someone else, please get in contact. 

The University Counselling Service is designed specifically to meet the emotional and practical needs of students at Oxford. It is confidential and deals with the whole range of academic, social and personal anxieties. It is based at 3 Worcester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BX. Appointments can be made by calling in to the office, by telephone 01865 270300 or by email.

Both services are free and confidential.

Disability Support

St John’s College aims to provide a good degree of accessibility for everyone. The main entrance is via the Porters’ Lodge on St Giles, which is fully wheelchair accessible. The Front Quad, Canterbury Quad, the Chapel and the Kendrew Quad have level thresholds, all making for easy access.

Accessibility information for members and visitors can be found at https://www.accessguide.ox.ac.uk/st-johns-college.

Transgender Guidance

As a supportive and inclusive community, St John’s College is committed to the University’s Transgender Policy and Guidance. Please read our Transgender and Gender Identity guidelines for more information and sources of help.

Useful college contacts

Fellow for Welfare

Professor Nikolaj Lübecker sits on the College Welfare Committee and is engaged in strategic, policy, governance, and administrative issues related to student welfare in College.

Fellow for Equality
Dr Kate Doornik is responsible for ensuring the implementation of the College’s policy on equality of opportunity, without regard for gender, ethnic background, sexual orientation, disability or age. She is also the College's Disability Lead.

Fellow for Ethnic Minorities
Professor KJ Patel is concerned with matters relating to race equality and differences in cultural experience.

Fellow for Women
Professor Zuzanna Olszewska is primarily concerned with issues relating to female students but she is happy to meet with male students as well.

Academic Administrator
Mrs Eileen Marston heads the Academic Office staff and is responsible for the day-to-day academic administration of the College. 

Finance Bursar
Kerry Jenkins is responsible for administering grants and collecting battels.

JCR Welfare Team
The JCR appoints a Disabilities Officer and an Equality Officer as part of the JCR Welfare Team to represent students on College Committees.

The Student Harassment Advisors
These are Professor Heather Bouman and Professor Philip Maini.
For information about our harassment policy, support and reporting please go to our Intranet.

Decanal Team

The Decanal Team are involved in all matters of student discipline within the College.

Senior Dean
Professor Angela Russell is responsible for disciplinary procedures and supports the Junior Dean team. She is a full-time tutorial fellow. She works with the Junior Deans to keep St John’s a safe, well-regulated environment for all Junior Members.

Junior Deans

The Junior Deans (Manal Bougazzoul, Towera Moyo, Troels Boesen and Pierre Lucien) are specially trained graduate students whose role is to help ensure the safe running of the College during term time evenings and weekends.