Edinburgh recognised for animal therapy activities
The University’s Residence Life team has been recognised for its commitment to creating student-focussed initiatives to improve social inclusion and raise awareness of mental health issues.
The team, which is part of the Accommodation, Catering and Events department, received the Outstanding Residence Life Initiative Award 2018.
Student accommodation
Residence Life – an international network of student accommodation providers – aims to create a welcoming and supporting community for students at Edinburgh.
It is made up of more than 200 Resident Assistants - returning students who support newcomers as they join and throughout the year – as well as Wardens and other staff that contribute towards initiatives to improve students’ university experiences.
Social events
Highlighted in the award was Residence Life’s animal-assisted activities, from trips to the Edinburgh Cat Café and Edinburgh Zoo, llama therapy sessions, to regular ‘Paws Against Stress’ events, where students have the chance to pet and play with puppies.
These form part of a ‘therapet’ programme, which aims to reduce anxiety, depression and feelings of loneliness through the promotion of social interaction, in conjunction with the University’s counselling service and Canine Concern Scotland Trust.
Thanks to the dedication of all our Residence Assistants, Wardens and full-time staff, we have been able to develop a series of programmes that act as a unique break from the stresses that students often face, as well as round-the-clock services to support students when they need it. Receiving this award is a testament to the success of our team and I’m proud to be a part of it.
Awards ceremony
The ceremony was organised by ‘The Class of 2020’, a group that encourages cities to adopt an efficient and welcoming model for student living, to attract new students and retain those already there.
The Class of 2020 presented the award to Richard Kington, Director of ACE, at the event in Portugal, praising the “genuinely innovative” and “accessible” services, that “objectively improve” a student’s experience at Edinburgh.
I was honoured to represent the University of Edinburgh’s Accommodation, Catering and Events team in Portugal and collect the award. We hope that our services will ensure that students enjoy their time in Edinburgh and, ideally, continue living here long after they have completed their degrees.