As a college, NewVIc is aware that many students and their families are struggling to make ends meet during the cost of living crisis and cope with the affordability of food. NewVIc recognises that financial challenges can significantly affect student’s mental health, ability to study and their overall wellbeing. The college has considered what it can do to help during this time of crisis and has decided to take the following actions to help their students:

Increasing the mandatory Free School Meal Allowance for their vulnerable students by 45%.

Free breakfasts for all students between 8.15 am and 8.45 am each day until the end of the academic year (July 2023). They will be providing fruits, croissants and bottles of water daily at the front of the college entrance.

The college hopes that this small contribution will go some way towards helping their students.

David Francis, Executive Director of Student Services and Wellbeing, added:

“The college recognises the impact that rising prices have had on our students and their families and so we decided to try and do something about it. We wanted to be able to make sure that any student receiving Free School Meals had an adequate amount of money to buy a good, healthy meal, and that all of our students have access to something to eat and drink first thing in the morning when they come into college, so they can get on with the business of learning without being hungry. We care about the wellbeing of our students and will do all we can to support them.”