University of Northampton makes care packages for isolating students

The University of Northampton is providing students living in its halls of residence with a free care package that will support them through the first week of self-isolation in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus.

The university is taking the step to launch halls care packages as a preventative measure after having a low number of confirmed cases of coronavirus.

The care packages include enough food, toiletries and cleaning supplies to last for seven days and they are delivered to students by staff volunteers at the university within hours of students notifying them that they need to self-isolate.

Director of estates and campus services, Becky Bradshaw, said: “Preventative steps, like these care packages, are key to slowing the spread of coronavirus within the university community. We know that shopping delivery slots are taking longer to book, and the minimum spend to secure a delivery can sometimes fall outside of students’ budgets. We’ve launched this care package to enable students in halls to immediately self-isolate, reducing potential exposure for anyone else.”

The care package, made up of two boxes and a bag, is packed with fresh fruit and vegetables, cupboard staples, sanitary wear, toiletries, cleaning products and a few treats. The university designed this as a stop gap support service to allow students to immediately self-isolate, should they need to.

Ms Bradshaw continued: “We care about our students, we understand that this is a difficult and stressful experience for them. I’m thankful that our campus community has pulled together to support students to isolate quickly.

“Our students are playing their part by following guidelines and isolating where they have symptoms or are contacted by Test and Trace but we know that students can find this an overwhelming situation. This care package is just one way our campus community can potentially make that student’s day a little brighter and easier.

“For many in halls, they’re away from home for the first time and are still getting to know the other students they’re living with, and they need and value this extra support.”

Graphic communications student, Cara King, 18 - who is living away from home for the first time - was one of the first students to receive a care package.

She said: “I’m very thankful to receive the care package, I was initially a bit worried about how I would manage with the food I had in my cupboards.

“I was really happy when I received the package and saw a great range of food, which was great alongside the food I already had. I’m not a fussy eater, so I’ve been able to make dishes using all the ingredients – I even had a mini roast dinner at the weekend.

“I feel the University care about student wellbeing, there’s lots of support on offer if we need it, from the care packages to our tutors understanding and checking in on us.

If students are still struggling to secure a delivery slot after the initial seven day period, they can purchase a second support pack from the university.

The care packages are the latest in a range of student support from the University, which includes virtual events, mental health support, academic and financial support, and 24/7 support from the Residential Life team and Campus Security team.