The University launched an Emergency Hardship Appeal in May to help our most financially vulnerable students.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some students have been left with little or no source of income to pay for their rent and food during lockdown.
However, as our Student Experience teams are working hard to deal with increasing hardship applications, the impact of the current pandemic is evidently also affecting students’ mental health.
In response to the appeal - launched by the External Relations division - hundreds of generous alumni and staff donated, raising an incredible £65,000 for students in financial crisis.
We now have a new fundraising platform which allows people to support our students’ mental health needs as well as financial hardship.
Professor Kelly Coate, Pro Vice Chancellor for Education and Students, expresses her gratitude to everyone who has given towards our Emergency Hardship Appeal – and explains in this video how you can be a lifeline for students who are still struggling.
Kelly says: “As well as seeing a huge increase in the number of students in difficult financial positions, we are also recognising the impact that the recent challenges are having on students’ mental health.
“We do realise not everyone can contribute at this time but as many of you are asking how you can support students in need, this new platform gives people the option of supporting financial hardship and now also mental health. You can also share the link with your networks.”
Dr Marina Pedreira-Vilarino, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, said: “We had such a fantastic response to the appeal when it launched with over 175 donations in 24 hours – the most successful response to any e-appeal to date.
“However, as the situation continues, the mental health concerns of our students are becoming more apparent.
“This second phase of the campaign allows us to reach audiences that we have so far been unable to ask for support. The more people we can reach, the more of our students we will be able to help through this crisis.”
Please share our new giving page with your friends and family today and help us take our support for students to the next level.