Students at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) have volunteered to become Campus Safety Champions, and protect each other from Covid 19.
The current initiative being implemented across the Preston Campus has seen more than 30 students from a variety of courses sign up to the system. Everyone involved has a specific role in assisting fellow students and staff to stay Covid safe. This includes:
- reminding staff and students of University guidelines around social distancing
- Directing people through one way systems
- Asking people to war a face mask
- And directing people to hand sanitisation points
This project is spear headed by staff from The UCLan Centre for Volunteering and Community Leadership, along with colleagues from across the University. Not only does this aim to help keep the campus safe, but it is hoped that it will also help the team of student volunteers to build confidence and leadership skills.
With more than 50 hours of volunteering time in the last 5 weeks, Second year psychology student Kira Cauldwell has committed to working as a Campus Safety Champion. Speaking on the matter, she said:
“It has been nothing but rewarding and I’ve enjoyed helping out in any way I can. Despite the current predicament we are all in, volunteering has given me a positive start to the new academic year because I feel like I’m making a difference by supporting other students.”
Kathryn Huskisson, volunteer support assistant within the Centre for Volunteering and Community Leadership, said:
“It’s heartening to see students so willing to support their peers during this difficult time.As well as raising awareness of the new guidance to help keep everyone as safe as possible, the skills they are developing through this work will be valuable in any job role.”
In addition, the University is also offering a range of free food and drink items in Preston campus refectories on weekday evenings and weekend mornings for both colleagues and students.