The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Fund has supported two Students’ Union projects focused on student wellbeing, inclusion and personal development this year.
As part of the Students’ Union’s Study Aid campaign, ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Fund support enabled the creation and distribution of more than 200 creative wellbeing packs during the January examination period. Containing a variety of creative materials, the packs encouraged students to take positive study breaks and engage in activities designed to support their mental wellbeing.
Delivered in partnership with the University’s Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service, the initiative also included daily wellbeing stalls outside Pontio, offering informal wellbeing check-ins and signposting to support services. Students commented that the packs helped them manage stress, take meaningful breaks from revision and return to their studies feeling more refreshed and focused. The project created valuable development opportunities for Student Wellbeing Ambassadors and SU student staff, who gained practical experience in project delivery, teamwork and student engagement.
The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Fund also enabled Students Union to deliver a series of specialist sex and relationship education workshops for students from under-represented groups, including disabled, neurodivergent, trans, women and LGBTQ+ students. Delivered by local non-profit organisation The Sex Education Company, the five workshops attracted 42 participants and focused on safe, healthy and inclusive relationships.
Natasha Lowe-Sellers, Student Voice Lead, said:
The workshops received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with students describing the sessions as informative, inclusive and empowering. Participants reported increased knowledge and confidence, while also highlighting the value of receiving tailored information relevant to their own experiences and communities. For many, the workshops helped address gaps in previous sex and relationship education and provided access to specialist support that had not been available before.
Tara Hine, Academic Advice and Welfare Projects Coordinator, added:
The projects made a meaningful difference to students by promoting wellbeing, improving access to inclusive education and helping students develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive during their time at ¾«¶«´«Ã½. Thanks to the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Fund.
The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Fund is made up of alumni donations, administered by the Development and Alumni Relations Office, and helps the University to provide an element of additionality to the student experience
