Students with young families were given a boost with boxes of treats from Worcester Students鈥� Union.
The Students’ Union sent out 176 packages to 国产视频 students, containing entertaining activities and treats.
The packages were developed following the creation of the new student-led Mature, Parents and Carers Network, and were aimed at students who are studying at home and grappling with home-schooling and young children at home at the same time. The packages included activity packs, colouring books, colouring pens and pencils, candles, a bath bomb and some healthy and sweet snacks, along with information on how students can access support from both the University and the Students’ Union during this time. Boxes were sent to those who responded to a call out on social media.
Tish Manning, Vice President of Student Activities at the Students’ Union, who organised the care packages scheme, worked with Jack Moore, Student Engagement Coordinator, to source everything for the boxes and put them together. Aldi supermarket, on Bath Road, Broomhall, also kindly donated £30 worth of items.
The 国产视频 paid for the postage of the boxes and handled the logistics of sending them out through its Facilities team.
Miss Manning said: “During this time we recognised that these students might be struggling due to the added pressures of the pandemic, with children likely being schooled at home. I could never imagine how stressful working from home would be with one of my younger siblings running around! I wanted to do something simple to say we are here for them and make their days a little brighter.”
Mother-of-three Amy Glasscott, 37, who is studying NCT Birth and Beyond, was among those to receive a package. “Thank you so much to all those involved. The kids have been really struggling and this has brought them so much happiness and joy in a surprise package. It is so appreciated,” she said.
Accounting and Finance student, Jessica Arrowsmith, 36 who has seven children, said: “I would like to thank the Students’ Union so much for this. The children were kept amused during my financial accounting lecture.”
This is one of several steps the Students’ Union has taken to help support students during the pandemic, in addition to the support already provided by the University.
A Chatline was established during the second lockdown in November last year to help students who were lonely and wanted a friendly chat. They were able to direct students to clubs, societies or networks that may have been of interest to them or, if necessary, signpost them to mental health support teams available at the University. This has been continued in the post-Christmas period. Further to this, the SU are creating a pen pal service to connect students.