Alumni news

Ava Shoraka, one of our Tea and Talk volunteers

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, over £380,000 of donations have been directed towards our students. Much of this support has come from alumni gifts to the Sussex Fund, as well as an Emergency Hardship Appeal, and our Covid-19 Support Fund. Santander Universities has also made very generous contributions.

This incredible show of support has helped our students in financial crisis, as well as those who require mental health support as a result of the social isolation and intense uncertainty brought about by the pandemic.

100% of your gifts are being used to support Sussex students in these ways.

Financial help for those in greatest need

As the pandemic took hold, many of our students suddenly found themselves unable to meet basic living costs, such as their rent and bills. Combined with losing loved ones due to the virus in some cases, theirs has been a huge burden to bear.

In the words of one of our third-year students:

“[The hardship award] won’t allow me to say goodbye to my stepdad as he passes from coronavirus and dementia, and it won’t allow me to see my family at such an horrendous time, but not having to worry about rent next month will mean that I can focus on grieving. This fund really does make a difference to people’s lives. Thank you so much.”

Mental health and wellbeing

As the lockdown continued, many of our students’ needs shifted from financial to mental health support. Isolation from family and friends, as well as uncertainty caused by the pandemic, all had a huge impact on their wellbeing.

With your help, and generous funding from Santander, through Santander Universities, we have been able to provide some immediate relief for the mental health challenges faced by our students during the Covid-19 pandemic.

For example, Tea and Talk is a service that sees students making themselves available online to chat to other students who are feeling isolated or lonely.

As Ava Shoraka (Law with International Relations) explains:

“I decided to become a Tea and Talk volunteer as I want to help students with accessing services which allow them to discuss their concerns informally and get more help if necessary. Given the current situation, many of us are feeling particularly confused and worried about the future. Tea and Talk provides a great way of communicating with other peers who are experiencing the same problems. This encourages more students to reach out if they have any concerns, and provides them with a safe place to talk about their problems.”

Hear more from Ava about how your support is helping right now

Amanda Griffiths, Head of Wellbeing, Therapeutic and Residential Life Services, also acknowledged the vital role that alumni have played towards addressing the mental health challenges faced by students, saying:

“The impact of alumni donations cannot be underestimated at this exceptional time for Sussex students. Thank you for your incredible support.”

The need has never been greater

In this ever-changing world, and with the start of term around the corner, Sussex students need more help from us than ever before.

Strong community support for hardship grants and other forms of assistance shows our students that we believe in them.

We appreciate the financial demands on everybody during the Covid-19 crisis, which is why we welcome all levels of giving – whatever is achievable for you.

Please help us to continue caring for those who need it, when they need it, by making a gift today.

Please do also share our Covid-19 Support page with your friends and family, especially if they have a connection to Sussex.

Thank you.

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