Cost of Living Special: What Help is Available For Coventry University Students?
Many Coventry University students are struggling financially. Where can they get assistance? Image by Phoebe Lewin.
Coventry’s population is becoming more and more desperate in these times of hardship, as the cost of living rises exponentially, people are turning to others for help.
Students Forced into Poverty
Coventry students have been forced to use foodbanks and warm banks. Many are unaware that there is even material support available for them during this crisis. Indica, the Triage Coordinator for Your Students’ Union Advice Service at Coventry University, said: “You can get up to £1000 to cover living costs if you are experiencing financial difficulty as a result of an unexpected circumstance”.
The Hub at Coventry University.
Image by Phoebe Lewin.
“We offer temporary food hardship support for students that cannot afford to eat. This is a limited service due to limited quantities of vouchers, but we are always able to support where we can, including by referrals to foodbanks”, Indica continued.
Yet what is the council doing to help with the cost of living? A webpage has been set up to consolidate all the cost of living resources into one place.
24 Days To Tackle The Cost of Living Crisis
Coventry City Council have launched their flagship “24 Days of Cost of Living Support” programme today. In this programme they offer advice and discounts for Coventry residents struggling during the rise in living costs.
“We have seen an increased number of students who are unable to afford basic necessities like food, their essential bills, or travel to and from University”, Indica continued.
A Warm Welcome
A number of community spaces have also opened up warm welcome spaces, where Coventry residents can get a hot drink, a place to rest, or simply warm themselves up.
Cllr David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “I’m really proud of the way that all sorts of organisations throughout Coventry are coming together to support people in need. There are lots of places where residents will receive a warm welcome - and the number of venues is increasing every day."
