Forth Valley College have linked up with the Forthgiving local charity to help students with unexpected financial problems.
A new partnership agreement has recently been signed between the two organisations which will help FVC’s Student Support team to provide additional support for students experiencing short-term finance problems. The overall aim is to ensure students are not missing out on their studies as a result of small unexpected costs that can crop up, for example travel, bills, or food.
Forthgiving, which is the trading name of the Sons of the Rock Society charity, has been giving support to people in the Forth Valley area since 1809 and is a unique local organisation offering financial support to people in crisis. The Trustees have recently awarded an initial block grant of £500 to allow the College to support students in need over the coming year, without this affecting their bursaries or other funding allowances.
To officially launch the service Forthgiving’s Nick Cooke visited FVC’s Falkirk Campus recently to pose for a photo with Pauline Barnaby, FVC’s Development and Fundraising Manager, Lesley O’Neill Student Support Manager, and Support and Guidance Officers Lynne Frail and Angela Smith.
Pauline Barnaby, Development and Fundraising Manager at Forth Valley College, said: “We are delighted to have formed a close partnership with Forthgiving who have been helping people in need for more than two centuries. The funding pot they have made available to our students will help reduce worry and stress caused by unexpected outgoings. This will enable students to concentrate on their studies and enjoy their experience at College. We hope this is the start of an ongoing partnership with Forthgiving.”
Nick Cooke from Forthgiving, said: “Our Trustees are very pleased to extend the scope of our grants programme to help individual students facing financial need, especially those who might not otherwise be able to enrol on courses or complete their studies. The sums of money required are often modest but essential, as we know from the grants we have given to individuals and families over many years.”
The Support and Guidance Advisors in the Student Support team will work with students to access funding. For more information on Forthgiving visit https://www.forthgiving.org.uk/