The Welsh Government has announced it’s providing an extra £10
million this year towards supporting university students during
the pandemic.
The funding is intended to support activities such as increased
mental health services and student financial hardship funds. It
will also help universities bolster their student support
services, including food services for students who are required
to self-isolate.
The funding will help increase capacity in students’ unions and
universities to provide advice and support for both students
and staff, with a focus on mental health support and
suicide-safer measures. This includes online services and
support through the medium of Welsh.
Some of the funding will be targeted at learning support for
vulnerable students and those with disabilities or caring
responsibilities, including helping to address digital poverty.
The funding will be managed by the Higher Education Funding
Council for Wales (HEFCW) and is in addition to the £27m Higher
Education Investment and Recovery Fund announced in the summer.
Announcing the funding, the Education Minister, said:
“Going away to university can be a difficult time for many
students, which has been exacerbated by the current
circumstances. It’s been a priority for me to support our
universities and students this year in particular.
“Our universities here in Wales are leaders when it comes to
student wellbeing. Following the £27m I announced to support
our universities this year, this funding will help universities
continue their important role of supporting and developing our
students.”
Eluned Morgan, the Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and
Welsh Language, said:
“This year has been a challenging time for everyone and can be
particularly difficult if you’re a student away from your
family and many of your friends. I’m pleased the Welsh
Government is able to support students’ wellbeing through this
period.”
Becky Ricketts, NUS Wales President, added:
“This is a welcome investment in the wellbeing of students
across Wales. The funding will deliver much-needed support for
student mental health services, which are experiencing
unprecedented levels of demand due to the impact of the
pandemic.
"We also welcome funding to address digital poverty and for
students’ unions, which have done an incredible amount of work
this year to support both students and the wider community.”
