The University of Southampton is joining other leading UK universities and colleges in the first ever Student Festival of Financial Wellbeing, which aims to promote and educate young people on the importance and long-term benefits of financial wellbeing, and runs throughout February 2022.
The event was launched by BlackBullion in response to their research findings, which revealed links between financial wellbeing and student mental health, with 75% of the students surveyed worrying about finances, and 67% saying money concerns negatively impact their mental health.
Each week the festival will focus on a key cornerstone of financial wellbeing to help students better understand money management:
- Get: how students can generate income, from improving employability, side hustles or starting a business, at university and afterwards.
- Build: empowering habits to support long-term financial wellbeing, including budgeting, managing debt and building an emergency fund.
- Grow: how students can embrace investing and other ways to help them grow their money and make it work for them.
- Protect: how students can protect their money by recognising scams and learning more about financial coercion and crime.
Anna Davis, Financial Support Manager from the Widening Participation and Social Mobility directorate, said: “The pandemic has put the financial wellbeing conversation centre-stage for students. We’re seeing demand for student hardship funds continue to rise, so it’s vital that we offer the education, support, and engagement students need to create a positive pathway towards better financial wellbeing.”
BlackBullion founder, Vivi Friedgut, said: “By unpacking the complex issues around money and mindset – from shame to isolation, anxiety to performance – students can get those positive building blocks in place, for a bright financial future. We’re delighted the University of Southampton is joining as a founding partner of the Student Festival of Financial Wellbeing, to champion financial inclusivity, mental health, and a positive student experience.”
To get involved, register at Blackbullion.com/festival, and sign up for the live webinars.
