The collaborative campaign, delivered by the University’s students’ union and the Student Support team, aims to provide students with a selection of events, activities and services in order to help those who may be feeling lonely, isolated or anxious during the academic year – a year which has seen mass disruption due to Covid-19.

By raising the profile of SU events and Societies and by providing clear pathways and easy access to contacts for the University Support Service, the ‘We’ve Got You’ campaign's goal is to bring together the University’s student community, ensuring all students have everything they need to help them cope during the uncertainty of the pandemic.

Key support and services at the University highlighted in the campaign include a Student Community Chat led by Beds SU, free online exercise sessions from the Get Active team and complimentary access to Fika [PDF] - a mental health fitness app for smartphones, tablets and laptops.

Students can also tune into Radio LaB on digital radio and online, which features news, views and music hosted by fellow students and community members.

During a period where isolation and loneliness are rife, keeping active and stimulated is vitally important so access to gym classes and wellbeing platforms were an important part of this campaign.

It's a tricky time for making new friends and meeting like-minded people. It's not impossible though. We've got you.https://t.co/ELT5D3oAk1

— Beds SU (@BedsSU) November 18, 2020

Katie Ross, Student Engagement Advisor at the University and ‘We’ve Got You’ campaign University lead, said:

The aim of the campaign is to let students know that the University and Beds SU are here for them. We understand university can be lonely for some students, so we want to make sure all students are aware of the services and activities on offer, how to access them and give opportunities to meet and engage with other students.

The current blended approach to online and on campus studying, means that students are facing a different experience to the norm. Students have had less opportunity to meet others and it’s impacted a lot of people in different ways.

It’s also especially important for students who may currently be isolating or shielding, creating a feeling of community and shared experience during challenging times. We want to make sure that students know ‘We’ve got you!’

Students are encouraged to submit ideas to the ‘We’ve Got You’ campaign by emailing Student Experience (studentexperience@beds.ac.uk) or by sharing their supportive experiences on social media, tagging @BedsSU and @uniofbeds

"We would love to use students’ talents and ideas to help others,” Katie continued. “For example – do we have the next Joe Wicks here at Bedfordshire?!

"We hope the campaign helps remind students that there is support available and will encourage them engage with those services. We also hope to help those that may be feeling lonely or isolated and to ensure everyone has a positive university experience.

"Loneliness is something that can affect students at any point in their educational journey, so we hope, even after the Covid-19 pandemic has ended, that the campaign evolves to help further reduce any feelings of loneliness in our student body."

Students wishing to seek advice on any aspect of university life can use the SU Advice Service which offers free, impartial and confidential consultations and conversations. Due to coronavirus, this service currently takes place via telephone, video call or email. The Student Experience team at the University can also be reached for extra support and advice – visit the ‘Contact Us’ section to select the relevant support team.

Further information about life at the University of Bedfordshire can be found online. For details about the campaign, including student support services and how to get involved with societies, visit: www.beds.ac.uk/wevegotyou