Education Minister has announced funding for
university mental health and wellbeing services
The funding will help address cost of living crisis facing
learners and students of all ages. It will improve and promote
money advice services in higher education, including for those
moving from college or school to higher education.
It will also help support students facing financial pressures by
extending hardship funding.
The funding has been provided to the Higher Education Funding
Council for Wales (HEFCW) and aims to benefit university students
and those moving into higher education.
HEFCW will be asking universities and colleges to work with
students’ unions to make sure the funding makes the best possible
impact on the lives of students.
, the Minister for Education
and Welsh Language said:
“The move from college or school to university can be a tough
time for your mental health and wellbeing, as well as the ongoing
cost-of-living crisis and the lasting effects of the pandemic.
I’m pleased we’re able to provide more support this financial
year so students can get financial help and maintain their
wellbeing.”
The Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, , said:
“Mental health and wellbeing services are a vital way to support
students, especially when they face big changes like leaving home
for the first time. I’m pleased we’ve been able to invest in this
support and extend hardship funding to help ease the financial
pressures on students too.”
NUS Wales President, Orla Tarn, said:
“This investment recognises the significant impact the
cost-of-living crisis is having on students’ mental health. The
focus on boosting financial support services and making
additional hardship funding available is welcome and necessary
given the significant strain on university students’ pockets
right now. Continued partnership working with students’ unions,
who are delivering vital support for their students during this
crisis, will help ensure the impact of this funding is
maximised.”
