During Semester 2 up to 31 March, we have supported 378 students with a total of 391 cases.
Our cases are broken down into the following matters:
| Academic |
175 |
| Finance |
193 |
| Health & Wellbeing |
5 |
| Housing |
10 |
| Student Experience |
6 |
The Advice Centre (ARC) also continues to deliver a varied programme of Mental Health & Wellbeing and Life Skills initiatives designed to support students both practically and emotionally throughout the academic year. These activities focused on reducing stress, educating on life skills, and helping students manage the rising cost of living.
In January, on Blue Monday, we offered free hot drinks to students on campus. Engagement was small-scale with 20 students receiving hot drinks but gratefully accepted by those that attended.
We have also successfully renewed its Advice Quality Standard (AQS) accreditation which is a nationally recognised quality mark demonstrating that students continue to receive high quality, professional advice and support.
Student engagement increased significantly through interactive and creative events. Our event, with Animals in Hand, proved especially popular, with all 80 available tickets sold in advance and additional students attending on the day. This event created a memorable experience, helping students relax and disconnect from academic pressures.
A guided cooking session with the Community Chefs, also supported students in building practical life skills, with 13 students learning how to prepare an affordable, nutritious meal - consistently one of ARC’s most positively received initiatives.
Mental health awareness was further promoted through participation in University Mental Health Day. ARC delivered calming and creative activities centred on the theme of “Human Connection,” including mindful colouring, hand painting and wellbeing resources. Many students even chose to spend extended time engaging and relaxing in the environment.
To address financial hardship, ARC distributed £5,860 in Household Support Funding from Wolverhampton City Council to eligible students living in the local area, helping alleviate pressure around food, bills and essentials.
Financial awareness was also encouraged through an Easter budgeting challenge, with 44 students taking part. The competition highlighted the real cost of everyday items, with the winning student estimating the total hamper cost to within £0.93.