A CALL TO CONNECT

22 September 2004

A CALL TO CONNECT AT EDGE HILL

A scheme to help students settle in to life on campus has been launched by Edge Hill College of Higher Education in collaboration with Aimhigher. The CONNECT project is involved in recruiting volunteers to befriend students who may be need extra support, in order to take full advantage of the social and leisure opportunities on offer at Edge Hill.

Mark Lovelady, Project Coordinator, said: "CONNECT provides the opportunity for students and staff to get together to make a real difference to the lives of those who may be feeling excluded from life on campus. Disabled students as well as those who find it difficult to socialise for a variety of reasons, can get together and hopefully find shared interests to develop wider social networks."

Staff and students have volunteered to attend a variety of social events including football, rugby matches, concerts and shopping trips.

Mark is keen to stress that the project is about promoting inclusivity. "Here at Edge Hill we are keen to ensure that everyone benefits from their student experience. The CONNECT project is about fostering friendships, particularly for those who find the social aspects of student life challenging. The benefits of CONNECT are two-fold: students are more likely to have a positive experience whilst studying, and volunteers will gain valuable training and skills.

The Student Union, Community Action and Student Services including the Volunteers Project have been working together to support CONNECT. There has been a great deal of interest in the project already and a successful launch. The initial group of volunteers have received equality and diversity training from former Edge Hill student Kevin Donnellon, who is now a lecturer and a proactive campaigner for disability and human rights.

For more information on CONNECT, please contact Mark Lovelady, CONNECT Project Coordinator on 01695 58 45 54 or lovelam@edgehill.ac.uk. ENDS

EDITOR?S NOTES: * Aimhigher is the Government initiative that encourages students who have historically been excluded from higher education to participate.

For further press information please contact: Roisin Rowley-Smith PR Manager Tel: 01695 584509 Fax: 01695 584355 E mail: rowlesr@edgehill.ac.uk or pressoffice@edgehill.ac.uk.