Member Article

University Centre Leeds provides Covid-19 support package to students

University Centre Leeds has launched a bespoke Covid-19 care package to support students during this academic year.

The care package aims to give students additional support while they study through a challenging period, focusing on academic, mental health and welfare assistance.

The Support team offers short-term counselling to all students, which is provided face-to-face with social distancing measures or online through video calls. All students who are self-isolating receive a wellbeing check-in call and the team also identifies any practical needs the students may require support with, such as delivering food.

As part of the wellbeing support offering, the team also promotes an external organisation, Student Space, a service for students who are struggling due to the coronavirus. This initiative is available for students who may need support out of university hours and offers phone, text and web chat as well as useful resources.

Welfare support is provided to all students who require financial assistance, including help with student finance and funding applications. All students who are self-isolating are regularly contacted by the team who offer financial and welfare advice.

As part of the care package, all first year students in halls of residence will be receiving a Chromebook, grocery box and practical kit, which will allow them to engage in remote sessions. As part of the practical kit, Fashion, Theatrical and Media Hair and Makeup degree students will be provided with a makeup set, enabling them to create looks while learning from home.

Janet Faulkner, Dean of Higher Education at University Centre Leeds, said: “The recent months have been difficult for everyone, especially young people at university. We appreciate that studying during these times is a real challenge, so we want to ensure our students are fully supported and have a positive experience with us.

“We have a dedicated team on hand to offer academic and pastoral support and we are proactively contacting students who may be struggling, to offer guidance. We have also launched a food competition which encourages students to cook the best meal with the ingredients provided by us for an exciting prize.”

At University Centre Leeds, students continue to study remotely through platforms including Google Meet and attend campus once a week for practical classes.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Luminate Education Group .