UEA students union rolling out new support during 'cost of living crisis'
They range from the 'Hardship fund', to a dedicated well-being support centre
With freshers week well underway at the UEA- our Uni's students union are rolling out new support schemes to help those studying here, with the on-going cost of living crisis.
They range from the 'Hardship fund', which provide grants to help those financially struggling, to a new dedicated well-being support centre which provides students with food and other essential items.
"It's just about trying to support our students as best we can"
Aaron Campbell is their Welfare, Community & Diversity Officer.
He told us the plan is fluid and can be changed to help with demand and peoples needs. But he also admits there's only so much they can do:
"There's opportunity for change, growth and learning. We are finding that there are so many ways to tackle this issue- and there's so many fronts we can do it from. We can do it from a practical way of how we can physically support our students, but also how can we talk to wider Government and society about all this".
"There is obviously going to be an upper limit to all this. But obviously we will support all our students to the best of our ability- we are aware that different students, will have different needs. Some will have a really heavy financial need, but others will only just need a little few things here and there. So, it's just about trying to support our students as best we can. Obviously, as a students union- we are limited because we only have a limited amount of income, but we are going to try our very best".
"We are trying to get as many students involved in that conversation"
Mr Campbell went on to say many are already coming to them, seeking support:
"The returning students have especially been really thankful for the support. They are also really receptive of the fact that there is going to be on-going support. We are trying to get as many students involved in that conversation of what do you need from us, as a university and students union".