CELT work with the Money Charity to help students take control of their financial wellbeing

In response to these findings, the team at BGU's Centre for Enhancement in Learning and Teaching (CELT) partnered with the Money Charity, who for over 25 years has been the UK’s financial capability charity, to facilitate an interactive workshop for students covering a range of topics from budgeting, credit scoring, student loans and living independently.

Susan Miller, a third-year Psychology student, attended the workshop and found the help and guidance offered to help build her economic resilience "reassuring":

“I’m really interested in this area generally, as my dissertation research is on money management and students’ building their economic resilience. I enjoyed the workshop and found it to be well delivered with a range of resources offered to students to better their own financial management. It is reassuring that BGU supports their students with their wellbeing and life skills in this way.”

According to the 2019 Student Money Survey, 79% of students are worrying about making ends meet which is having a knock-on detrimental effect with their mental health, sleep and diet. The independent, national survey polled 3,385 students and highlighted how areas of students’ lives are being affected with the constant worry over money (Save the Student, 2019 - see infographic).

Promoting the wellbeing of its staff and students is a core aim for BGU and to help facilitate this the University runs a series of free Wellbeing events throughout the month of March. The activities, organised by the CELT team, include: mindfulness techniques classes, resilience workshops, arts and craft sessions, free film screenings at The Venue cinema, Virtual Reality gaming, as well as local external companies delivering treats such as Central Wellness giving taster yoga classes and the Student Housing Company carrying out a “Price is Right” game activity. During the month, there will be a further financial wellbeing workshop organised and delivered by Susan Miller who is also a Management Accountant.

Looking ahead at the planned wellbeing activities Linette Wallace, CELT Coordinator stated:

“BGU actively demonstrates its commitment as a mindful employer, supporting and improving both staff and student’s wellbeing at an institutional level and by running a range of activities throughout the year. The Wellbeing Framework Steering Group is continuously seeking ways to improve the staff and student experience here at BGU and runs many initiatives to support different aspects of wellbeing. I’m delighted that The Money Charity delivered such an engaging workshop for our students and that this is being extended upon further with Susan’s involvement in the forthcoming Wellbeing activities planned for March.”

For further information on the activities being carried out by the CELT team email CELT@bishopg.ac.uk