Cost of Living Conference at Lancaster University

Amidst the Cost of Living crisis which is affecting students all around the UK by increasing financial stress and impacting academic performance, students’ union officers from across England gathered together at a conference organised by Lancaster University Students’ Union to network, exchange ideas and best practices and develop solutions together. Keynote speakers from different SUs were on hand to share some of their campaigns. These were:

During networking sessions other SUs shared the different initiatives to support students on their campuses including campus communal fridges where food donations were kept for anyone to pick up what they needed, breakfast and supper clubs, free period products, and food banks amongst others.

• York Students' Union who carried out a successful campaign known as the #FixFirst campaign to make transport to campus affordable. This was done by asking the university and the bus company to reverse a hike in transport fares to keep it affordable for students.
• Staffordshire Students' Union have been running a foodbank for 10 years! They shared on their journey of 10 years of supporting students who needed help. They provide food vouchers and run the foodbank in collaboration with the university.
• Lancaster Students' Union have a Green Lancaster team who presented their Don't Ditch It campaign. This encourages students to reuse and recycle items to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Students are urged to donate or swap clothing and student volunteers repair donated clothing and these are then sold at ‘pay what you wish’ prices.