The Well launches support packages for students and community

A five-metre-high message of encouragement has been displayed by Manchester Universities’ chaplaincy, St Peter’s House, on Oxford Road to welcome students back to university this week.

The All Will Be Well message along with a spoken word video has been produced to mark the launch of a new project for students and the local community, The Well.

This project offers food packages, online cookery classes, mindfulness and yoga, and the opportunity to connect for support in-person or at Zoom community events, all free anyone on or around campus who is in food or financial crisis.

Hannah Skinner, director of development and engagement at St Peter’s House, performed the spoken word of All Will Be Well in the new video.

She said: “Thousands of students are to return to our city and will struggle in new and unexpected ways due to the pandemic.

“While some students have always sought financial assistance, it’s now anticipated that food and financial crisis will significantly worsen due to additional challenges such as lack of access to jobs and the closure of some more affordable food sources – worsened by increased social isolation caused by social distancing – with those with the highest levels of existing needs likely to be the worst affected.

“Good food and nutrition alongside wider wellbeing practices offered by The Well will exist to support students through these challenging times.

“It’s been fantastic how the community has been supporting the project – we’ve had surplus food donations already from the food banks and other projects that are teaming up with us too. It’s proper People Power!

“And we hope our powerful, bold message will make people stop and think about their own wellbeing and that of others during these uncertain times.”

The service is now accepting referrals and is open to anyone who is a student at MMU, UoM, the RNCM or the University of Law or is a resident of Hulme. To find out more, make a referral or self-refer, contact office@stpeters.org.uk or call 0161 275 2894.