Isolating students received support over Christmas from Student Union

Three hundred isolating students received support via care packages and the union’s telephone support service over the Christmas break.

As part of the Kingston Union of Student’s self-isolation support service, trained callers contacted students in self-isolation three times a week to offer support, resources and a chat.

Ameen Saeed, a third-year economics student, is one of the trained callers on the team and worked on Christmas Day to call those who were isolating.

“I don’t personally celebrate Christmas so the thought of being able to help out those who are isolating and away from family on the day is so rewarding,” Saeed said.

Care packages were also introduced at the beginning of December and can be sent to students within a five-mile radius of Penrhyn Road. The union is looking into ways to extend the service to reach those living further away.

The care packages contained hot chocolate, a wellbeing guide, colouring books and pencils, plants and other items.

The telephone service contacts students anywhere in the world who are in self-isolation and is open six days a week.

There were 88 confirmed cases of Covid-19 reported to the university in the week leading up to Friday January 8, including staff and students.

The Mental Health Foundation, surveyed  UK adults nine months into Covid-19 restrictions and their results showed loneliness levels were higher for full-time students. 

Saeed said: “Nearly everyone I talk to tells me they suffer from loneliness. A lot of those living with flatmates can be isolated and even blamed for the reason that their peers have to isolate. In these times you must stay connected and stick together to see it through”. 

The union have several resources on their website including their ‘be kind to your mind’ wellbeing guide, specifically made for isolating students.

Kingston Union of Students said: “It is important that students alert the university if they suspect they may have symptoms of coronavirus, as this is where you can opt in to being contacted by us.”

Contact the university for support and resources here.

Contact Kingston Union of Students for support and resources here.