The University of Portsmouth has just completed its annual Welfare Walkabout, with more than 100 staff connecting with nearly 7,000 students.
The University of Portsmouth has just completed its annual Welfare Walkabout, with more than 100 staff connecting with nearly 7,000 students.
The Welfare Walkabout is a collaboration between the University and its Students Union, and underscores the institution’s unwavering commitment to the comprehensive well-being of its students. As part of this activity, 120 staff volunteers visited 6,750 students living in University halls between 19 February and 1 March to provide and share crucial information about available support services.
Staff volunteers, dedicating their time outside regular working hours, visited all halls of residence and engaged students in conversations and distributed information leaflets.
The initiative is especially crucial considering the challenges students face, including financial concerns and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our commitment to student welfare is at the heart of this initiative. The first year at university can be a profound transition, and our diverse student body may be navigating numerous changes. Given the current circumstances, with cost of living and pandemic related stresses, we recognise the need for additional support.
Anna Vaernes, Head of Student Life, said; “Our commitment to student welfare is at the heart of this initiative. The first year at university can be a profound transition, and our diverse student body may be navigating numerous changes. Given the current circumstances, with cost of living and pandemic related stresses, we recognise the need for additional support.”
The University is clear on how it can help. Anna said: “Leaving home for the first time, especially in these circumstances, can be overwhelming for some students. We understand the importance of providing support, not just academically but also in building essential life skills. Our Welfare Walk enables us to engage with students on a personal level, ensuring they are aware of the resources available to them.”
The timings of the Welfare Walk are deliberately scheduled to start when the Freshers period is over. It is a time when the initial excitement of being away from home is fading and the reality of independent living is dawning on students. The first knock happens in the Autumn term and the second one is at the end of February. The aim is to get around to everyone twice.
The University believes this initiative highlights its commitment to actively participating in the personal and academic development of its students.