The University has partnered with the Students' Union and Canterbury Baptist Church to help support those students who are struggling to access a nutritious meal.
Why Ruth?
The name Ruth comes from a key book and character within the bible and means "companion" or "friend". The book highlights the key characteristics of love and loyalty and how communities can come together to support one another as people experience tragedies in their daily lives. Ruth is celebrated as someone who is blessed by God and in turn blesses others through her words, deeds, and actions.
Accessing support
If you’re financially struggling and need help in accessing a nutritious meal, then we’re here to support you.
Ask for Ruth through one of our Student Support Advisers where they can:
- Provide you with a voucher to purchase food from local supermarkets.
- Refer you to Canterbury Baptist Church on a Friday where you can collect a food parcel. There will also be trained staff on hand to speak to if you need to talk.
- Refer you to a local food bank.
- Let you know about other opportunities to access free meals, food and support.
Ask for Ruth at the Students’ Union Reception to access the Campus Pantry. Here you will receive a small food package containing enough dry goods to make a meal.
We also recommend reaching out to our Student Support Advisers, as they can offer financial information and support on a range of areas including bursaries and scholarships, hardship funding, budgeting and money management. They can also support you in opening a UK bank account if you're an international student.
Getting early financial guidance can help put you on the right track and give you peace of mind - so get in touch with our friendly advisers or come for a chat at one of our face-to-face or virtual drop-in. You can also speak to our Student Money Adviser at the Wellbeing Café every Thursday between 2pm - 4:30pm in the Food Court.
Cost of Living Hub
For more information on how we’re helping you save and make money as well as come together as a community over free hot drinks, activities and conversation please visit the Cost of Living Hub.
Give today
If you’re able to donate to help fund the ‘Ask for Ruth’ initiative, you can provide students with meals, as well as support for their other immediate basic needs. To find out more about how we are supporting our students through financial hardship please visit our Futures Fund webpage.