A SCOTTISH university is putting on extra support for its students after revealing that only one in five are receiving government help amid the cost of living crisis.
A third students at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Outer Hebrides are living on £50 a month after bills and rent, and 92% of those studying at the institution say their mental health has been negatively affected.
The university has set up the Comunn Cubby, where once a month students can secure second-hand clothes, shoes, blankets, games and books, with any donation going towards the Western Isles Association for Mental Health.
Students are also being encouraged to use its buildings as much as possible if they are unable to afford heating and WiFi, with student kitchen facilities, free WiFi and communal computers and common rooms available. The Scottish Government has described the cost of living crisis as “the most severe economic crisis in a generation” as many across the country face unaffordable energy bills and rising food prices.
UHI Outer Hebrides principal and chief executive Hannah Ritchie-Muir said: “A recent survey by The National Union of Students involving 3500 students and apprentices has shown that 96% of students are cutting back on spending, with 33% of them managing on £50 a month after paying rent and bills.
“This is an incredibly worrying time, and we are doing all we can to support our students.
“We are working closely with The Highlands and Islands Student Association (HISA) to highlight the plight of our students and our campaign to ensure the government is working to provide the support our students deserve”.
UHI Outer Hebrides is working closely with local food banks as students are struggling to afford food after rent and bills, and offering free financial advice drop-ins and has established a Student Development Fund to empower students with financial difficulties.
The university has said it is working closely with the Scottish Government to ensure that staff and students are made aware of all help that is available to them.
The Scottish Government has committed to doubling the Fuel Insecurity Fund to £20 million in 2022-23 and the introduction of the new Winter Heating Payment allowance, guaranteeing a £50 annual payment to roughly 400,000 low income households.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar MSP Alasdair Allan urged students to make use of the resources on offer.
Allan said: “The cost of living crisis is already having wide-reaching effects across our communities, including for the majority of our students, as evidenced by the NUS’s recent survey.
"Existing issues such as access to affordable housing and fuel poverty here in the Western Isles are being further exacerbated, in addition to wider issues such as food prices rising dramatically.
"This is understandably taking a toll on the mental health of students, as well as the wider population.
“I understand that UHI Outer Hebrides has outlined how the university is supporting its students throughout the islands, and I would urge any student who is feeling worried about the ongoing cost of living crisis and how it is impacting them to speak to the university and make use of the resources and support on offer.
"The Scottish Government has also recently launched a cost of living crisis website, where people can access advice and information about what financial assistance they may be entitled to: https://costofliving.campaign.gov.scot/.
"Additionally, I am keen to assist constituents with any of their concerns, and would urge anyone who would like my help to get in touch.”
