Support Worker Service

An outline of the types of support workers, including specialist mentors, exam support workers and study assistants, available to disabled students, tailored to your needs.

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Accessible support, tailored for you

We understand that starting university is an exciting time, and we are here to ensure you have the support you need to thrive academically and personally. 

Our Support Worker Service connects you with a range of dedicated professionals who can help you navigate your studies and make the most of your university experience.


How does it work?

The support you receive is tailored to your individual needs. 

If a support worker is recommended for you, this will typically come from your DDSS disability adviser or a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) needs assessor. They will work with you to understand your requirements and recommend the most effective support.


Types of support available

Support workers are here to empower you in achieving your goals and can provide essential practical assistance. While support workers can be incredibly helpful in facilitating your learning and building your independence, their main goal is to make your learning experience smoother, rather than teaching or tutoring.


Our in-house services

Specialist mentors (SM:MH and SM:ASC)

Specialist mentors provide personalised, one-to-one sessions designed to help you thrive academically. Working with a specialist mentor can help to identify your individual disability needs and then develop strategies and skills that will help you overcome barriers you may experience when engaging with your learning. 

Specialist mentors are here to support you in developing essential organisational skills, managing your workload effectively, and maintaining focus on your academic goals. Our mentors offer guidance and strategies to empower you throughout your studies.

It's important to understand that while specialist mentors are highly supportive, their focus is specifically on your academic and organisational development. Mentors cannot provide mental health counselling, nor can they act as advocates on your behalf.

Mentors have an extensive knowledge of the University and the local area and can also signpost you to specialist services that may be able to provide additional support.

Exam support workers

Exam support workers are here to help you perform confidently during exams. Alongside other adjustments like extra time, they can act as a scribe, reader, or exam prompt, providing personalised support to ensure you can demonstrate your knowledge effectively.

Orientation support workers

Orientation support connects new disabled students with experienced current students who act as friendly guides during those crucial first few weeks. 

The role of an orientation support worker is all about helping you settle comfortably into student life. What this looks like in practice can vary because it's tailored to your individual needs.

Lab support workers

Lab / workshop support workers provide individual, one-to-one support in specialist laboratory and workshop settings. 

Library support assistants

Library support assistants can help you access materials and make the most of our extensive library services.

Proofreaders

Ensure your written work is accurate, clear, and engaging with the help of a proofreader.

Study assistants

Study assistants are available to provide targeted support. These assistants have a solid foundation in the relevant subject matter, often having previously studied the same module or possessing specialised subject knowledge.

Their role is to clarify and guide your understanding of specific academic content, and they complement, rather than replace, the comprehensive support offered by academic teaching staff.

Sighted guide

We offer focused sighted guide sessions to help you familiarise yourself with new routes or buildings, fostering your confidence and independence for future navigation.


External support services

Below are some specialist services that may be recommended by your Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) needs assessor. While we don't provide these services with our in-house team, we are here to help you connect with external providers and assist in arranging this essential support.

Sign language interpreters

For British Sign Language (BSL) users, interpreters can provide comprehensive support for lectures, seminars, practical sessions, and more. 

Specialist notetaking for visual impairment or hearing impairment

For students requiring specialised assistance, you may be referred to external notetakers to accurately record lectures and seminars, ensuring you receive detailed academic notes.

Practical assistants, mobility support, and sighted guides

To help you navigate campus with confidence, making your journeys to and from teaching sessions smoother.

The specific support workers available to you will depend on the recommendations from your disability adviser or DSA assessor, based on your individual needs.


Contact us

For more information, contact: 

A global reputation

Sheffield is a world top-100 research university with a global reputation for excellence. We're a member of the Russell Group: one of the 24 leading UK universities for research and teaching.