Northampton University staff continue to support students living in halls over Christmas

Staff at the university of Northampton have teamed up to provide a range of support services to students currently living in halls and will continue to do so over the Christmas period.

University staff volunteered their time to sign up for the ‘check in and chat’ service’ scheme during the first lockdown. This saw campus colleagues commit to regular contact with international students stranded in the UK as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, offering them a listening ear on the phone or through email.

A total of 310 food boxes were delivered to self-isolating students by the Residential Life Team (RLT), security, catering staff and other volunteers.

Residential Life Team Leader, Ben Miles, 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 is aimed at providing a super supportive experience.”

Students residing in halls receive regular welfare checks with RLT and security being on-site to see students face-to-face and dealing with those in crisis.

Care packages and food were provided to international students, who have had to self-isolate on arrival to the UK.

Ben Miles continued: “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.