Somerville is dedicated to ensuring that our students and academics are fulfilled in their studies and research and that they have the necessary resources to achieve their potential intellectually, personally, and in their life once they leave Oxford. The following actions and initiatives have been undertaken to realise this objective:
Counsellor and Welfare Officer
Somerville has invested in a dedicated Counsellor and Welfare Officer to support students and staff in dealing with some of the pressures associated with life at Oxford and, indeed, life in general. Annual cost £45,000.
Sports and Wellbeing Fund
In 2020, Somerville College established a new Sports and Wellbeing Fund through the generosity of one of its alumni. This fund seeks to extend the benefits of sports and wellbeing to more staff and students than ever, whether by supporting the cost of buying sports equipment or subsidising whole-College initiatives such as yoga or virtual challenges. Annual cost £10,000.
The Somerville Skills Hub
Developed through the Margaret Thatcher Scholarship Trust and the Thatcher Scholarship Programme, the Skills Hub provides academic, personal and career training for all Somervillians in College. A crucial aspect is the development of wellbeing and mindfulness skills for students at all stages of their academic careers. We also provide mentoring for students, whether by linking them with other students within the College or the University, or with our alumni network through an online platform called Alumi Connect. Through the Skills Hub, we can ensure that disadvantaged students do not find the first weeks at Oxford overwhelming and it can support them as their needs evolve over the terms and academic years. Annual cost £30,000.
Or to discuss supporting our wellbeing initiatives further, please contact Sara Kalim, Development Director.