Proposed changes to welfare services under scrutiny after six Bristol students killed themselves in little over a yearBristol University is being urged to reconsider plans to scrap its system of live-in pastoral care in halls of residence amid concerns that students may lose vital face-to-face support. The changes, which will result in savings of £800,000, are part of a review aimed at improving student support. The university insists live-in peer support will continue, backed up by a more professional, round-the-clock service located outside halls. A university spokesman said its pastoral system was out of date and no longer fit for purpose. He also pointed to an additional £1m investment in wellbeing services in academic departments, which are intended to dovetail with the new residential pastoral services.

Source: The Guardian December 24, 2017 15:55 UTC