University staff pull out all the stops to support students living in halls

Students living in halls have received first-class support from University of Northampton staff to help them get through the pandemic safely.

Staff have rallied round to provide food parcels for those self isolating, welcome packs for international students and provided a welcome listening ear.

During the first lockdown, in the first half of 2020, University staff volunteered their time to sign up for the Check In And Chat service. The scheme saw campus colleagues commit to regular contact with international students stranded in the UK, offering them a listening ear on the phone, or via email.

Students who have had to self isolate have received 310 food boxes, delivered by staff from the Residential Life Team (RLT), Security, Catering staff and numerous volunteers.

The halls residents receive regular welfare checks, with RLT and Security staff being on-site to see students face-to-face, and dealing with those in crisis, including those requiring first aid.

Both the RLT and the Estates teams have also been supporting international students who have had to self-isolate on arrival in the UK, providing them with care packages and food for their initial isolation period.

Ben Miles, Residential Life Team Leader, said: “The Residential Life Team works tirelessly in combination with other UON departments to provide 24-hour pastoral welfare support to students living in our residences.

“Despite the current pandemic, our entire team has continued to work on site, ready to provide face-to-face support to students in crisis. From the first day students move in, highly experienced RLT staff are available to support them with any issues that might occur, ranging from a friendly chat to developing cleaning skills; everything we do it aimed at providing a super supportive experience.

“Our community coordinator has provided a full programme of both online and live activities, and events for students. This includes a whole series of activities for students staying on campus over the festive period. There is a real sense of communal effort across those teams who work across our accommodation, which is the key to its success.”

Students who will be staying on campus during the Christmas holidays will be supported by University staff who will continue to work on site.