Increased funding for wellbeing initiatives
The University has launched a range of new wellbeing initiatives for students feeling isolated due to Covid-19.
New initiatives include a wellbeing check-in service which will give students the opportunity to opt-in for an outreach call with a member of staff.
The University has also relaunched its successful winter break PairEd Up activities.
Students living in Edinburgh can sign up to be paired up with a staff member to take part in an outdoor activity, such as running, cycling, or walking in the city.
Funding for student health and wellbeing
These initiatives have been subsidised by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) who have allocated funding for student mental health, welfare and wellbeing support services.
Funding for projects has been allocated following consultation with students and staff across the University, with a focus on how the available funding can be deployed most effectively to have the greatest impact for students.
Alongside the check-in service and PairED Up activities, funds from the SFC will also be used to increase resource in the Listening Service, the Chaplaincy’s mindfulness sessions and other student-led wellbeing projects.
Student counselling boost
Separately, the University is investing more funds in its Student Counselling Service.
Five new counsellors – including three BAME counsellors – are being recruited to increase the capacity of the service to meet growing demand.
This investment will also see the launch of an extended online counselling service for students who are unable to meet with a counsellor in-person.