In order to help students who may be struggling, we've set up a Community Pantry to help support those in need.
In order to help students who may be struggling, we've set up a Community Pantry to help support those in need. If you're in need of some supplies including non-perishable foods and toiletries, please stop by InfoPoint between the hours of 9.30am - 4.00pm Monday to Friday and one of our Advisors will be happy to assist. If you don't feel comfortable asking to use the pantry directly, you can ask to see Penny and the pantry will be opened for you with no questions asked.
The University has over 20,000 students, so in order to help as many students as possible, we ask that you are mindful about what you take and only take what you need short term. Remember, you can always come back if you need more.
The Community Pantry is an idea that originated from our Ideas Forum, which was submitted by our Nursing and Midwifery Officer Tracey Taylor. The post suggesting a Community Pantry reached a total of 175 votes, so it was swiftly passed on to our Vice President (Welfare) Jack McGuinness, who has worked with Advice Manager Rebecca Wood and Head of Operations & Interim Co-CEO Martin Beaumont to bring this idea to life.
This project is a staple of the great community we have here at the Union of Students, with students campaigning and supporting the development of the space from the very first day it was promoted on the Ideas Forum. It's been amazing to see the understanding from both staff and students on how the current cost of living experience has affected everyone, and how those most in need need more support than ever. If you are able to support the pantry, donations are always appreciated.
The local community have rallied to help support our Community Pantry and keep it stocked. We recently received a large donation of supplies from Ruth Tiso at the Pear Tree Baptist Church, who donated eight bags filled to the brim with food, clothing and hygiene supplies.
In order to keep the pantry running, we are in need of donations on non-perishable items. If you are in a position to do so, it would be greatly appreciated if you could make a donation at the Union’s InfoPoint desk.
If you'd like to speak to an Advisor about the cost of living crisis or anything else, please book an appointment.