Students at Plymouth College of Art facing hardship during the pandemic have been given vital support – thanks to the college’s Student Union and its president Harriet Moore.
A food bank set up by the Student Union on the campus in Tavistock Place has providde much needed supplies to students during the pandemic – and when the latest lockdown was announced in January, Harriet set up an emergency food bank at her flat in the city.
Struggling students have received food, toiletries and period products over the months – and Harriet’s efforts have drawn much praise.
Harriet graduated with a degree in photography in the summer of last year, having been elected as president of the Student Union in May.
Harriet said:
“The food bank was originally set up in 2019 when I was part of the Student Union team, but I saw the need to make it bigger and better when I took office as president.
“Part of that involved promoting the food bank more proactively to make students aware of what we could offer. There has certainly been a big demand during the pandemic.”
Food was donated for the food bank by staff and students and also purchased with Student Union funds.
With the main campus in lockdown, Harriet has only been able to collect supplies once a week and then carry it back to her flat in North Hill.
“My flat is overflowing with food supplies now which means I can make up parcels for students who are struggling and they can either collect them in a COVID safe way or we can deliver them,” said Harriet.
Harriet has also set up Facebook and WhatsApp groups on social media to support the college community, particularly for students who are vulnerable, working from home or self-isolating.
She has also established a parents support group, aimed at mature students who are having to home school children during the pandemic.
“My whole goal with everything as Student Union president is creating positive change both within the college and the wider community of Plymouth so I’m really pleased to see how much it has grown.”
Harriet added:
“Social media has proved invaluable in helping everyone to keep in contact. It’s certainly been a difficult year since taking over as president, but I absolutely love my job and have been so pleased to be able to help people.”
Student Amber said:
“Harriet is going above and beyond at the moment to support me and other students in the local community. This year she created a food bank and a bursary within the SU which has supported me so much, especially the food bank which she’s now running from her own flat because campus isn’t allowed to be open.
“She is such an amazing support system and a real pillar for our society supporting others during this difficult time.
“Harriet is great, she really keeps me going, she fought for us to get deadline extensions and has set up support groups for parents, she stands up for causes like period poverty and is always available any time you need support – including evenings and weekends.”
Another student added:
“I honestly can’t thank you enough for the food parcel. Your generosity is overwhelming, and I’m so very thankful to Harriet for sorting me out a safe collection during the lockdown.”
Nath Stark, the Student Union’s vice president for higher education said:
“As a friend and a colleague, I know Harriet has been going above and beyond for students during her time working at the college.
“During the pandemic she has been excellent at making sure students at the college are having their voices heard and are as supported as possible.
“ Seeing how successful the food bank has become and how Harriet has been able to support students in many different ways is incredible and inspiring.”
