Free food parcels boost for students self-isolating
WWE recognise that these are exceptionally challenging times for our students, and so we made the decision before the beginning of term that we would do everything possible to help take care of students who have to self-isolate
- Andrew Rhodes, registrar and chief operating officer of Swansea University
STUDENTS self-isolating at Swansea University have been given a helping hand during “exceptionally challenging times” after receiving free food parcels.
Groceries including bread, milk, fruit, vegetables, soup, and tinned goods have been delivered to the doorsteps of groups of students who are unable to get out to do their own shopping due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Swansea University has a 23,000 strong student population, which encompasses both the Swansea Bay and the Singleton campus, of which 15,000 students are in private accommodation.
Among them is Lucy Bufton, from Liverpool, who moved to the city on September 21 to study mathematics. Her course compromises of three and a half hours tuition in person and 16 hours online.
The 18-year-old and her six other flatmates, who are in a ‘bubble’ and are self-isolating in accommodation at the university’s Bay campus, were delighted to receive a food parcel, which she described as “a lifeline”.
“We’ve mostly been staying in our own flats, and we have a kitchen area we share,” Lucy said.
“In a way it’s good because you get to know your flat mates a lot more.
“On Friday, we found out one of my housemates had symptoms which meant we could not go out. We told the university of our situation and they gave us four days worth of food for free.
“We are really happy about it. I think it’s a really good scheme and it shows the university cares about us.
“It has definitely been a lifeline for all of us.”
So far, £700,000 has been invested into ensuring that the university’s campuses are safe for students but it is expected the figure will spiral up to £1 million.
A covered outdoor space was created in which students could socialise during the current pandemic.
Andrew Rhodes, registrar and chief operating officer of Swansea University, said: “We recognise that these are exceptionally challenging times for our students, and so we made the decision before the beginning of term that we would do everything possible to help take care of students who have to self-isolate.
“To do this, we’ve set up a dedicated support team which provides grocery packs, food deliveries and a laundry service, all free of charge, to students in a flat where there is a positive case and everyone is self-isolating.
“Providing healthy, nutritious food to those who may be feeling unwell is vital, so our grocery packs include essentials such as bread, milk, fruit, vegetables, soup, and other tinned goods, with vegan and vegetarian options available too.
“Our team helps with students’ online grocery deliveries and we’ll soon be introducing a new food delivery system where students can order food from the university’s catering outlets and get it delivered.
“To help students living off campus, a team of student volunteers is on hand to shop for groceries on their behalf.”
Mr Rhodes added that £200,000 of funds had been targeted into welfare and mental health support services to ensure that students can access the help they need.
“Financial support is available through our student hardship fund for those who may be struggling financially,” he added.
“Getting all of this support set up in a short space of time has been made possible by the huge collective effort from teams across the university and I am immensely grateful to them for all their hard work.
“The feedback we’ve received from students and parents for providing these services has been incredible and we will continue to do all we can to help our students over the coming weeks and months.”