Launched in January 2021, the government-backed Leeds Trinity COVID Hardship Fund is designed to support university students who have been financially affected directly by the pandemic.

After receiving initial funding from the government, the Leeds Trinity Executive team agreed to match this contribution, in order to support an increased number of students with awards of up to £1,000. Since launching the Fund earlier this year, approximately 270 awards have been made so far to support students who have been impacted by the pandemic and need financial support with living expenses due to loss of part-time work, as well as IT costs to facilitate studying from home.

With additional government funding now available, even more students will be able to apply for the financial support from the Fund, which is estimated to be allocated by the deadline set by the Office for Students on 31 March 2021.

The Leeds Trinity COVID Hardship Fund is separate to the University’s existing Hardship Fund, which is open to any Leeds Trinity student requiring financial assistance throughout the academic year. The University has also recently launched a digital Hardship Fund application system, to help improve accessibility to financial support during the pandemic.

Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of every Leeds Trinity student has always been our priority during this challenging time. We want to ensure that students can continue to access the support they need, without being disadvantaged academically or financially due to the pandemic. With this in mind, the Executive team agreed to match the initial government funding for the COVID Hardship Fund, in order to financially assist as many students as possible, and we welcome the further support that has been made available, too.

“We appreciate how difficult this period has been for students, and this funding is one of many measures we have introduced to ensure our students feel supported.”

Since March 2020, the University has put in place a number of measures to support students and enhance their overall experience. These measures include:

• Converting vital student services online through the myLTU app, with extended student support hours
• Students who live in halls of residence on the Leeds Trinity University campus and are unable to move back into their accommodation for the new (third) lockdown period due to government restrictions will receive a 100% rent credit for this period
• Desktop loans for students struggling to access their online learning due to not having adequate IT facilities, which includes all the necessary IT equipment and software required for online learning
• A Student Housing service coordinated by Leeds Trinity Students’ Union to offer support and advice on searching for properties, tenancy agreements and deposits
• An online package for National Student Money Week including a financial bootcamp, financial planning webinars and a digital booklet.  

Ruth Wilson, Director of Student Support and Engagement, said: “Our students have adapted to these challenging circumstances incredibly well, and we are committed to supporting them as much as possible throughout this time.

“We want to ensure students know where to access support, whatever their needs, and the COVID Hardship Fund forms part of a wider package to support them with learning and teaching, mental health and wellbeing, welfare and finance. Our Student Support team continues to work extended hours, seven days a week, and we also have a dedicated ‘Accessing Support’ tile on the myLTU app where students can find everything in one place.”

The COVID Hardship Fund application system is on a first come, first served basis. Applications will close on 12 March 2021 at 5.00pm.

More information about financial support can be found on the Student Fees and Finance webpage. Students can also email Student Finance about the COVID Hardship Fund application process.