Jonjo's Interview with Karen Mayfield

This is a summary of the main points made by Karen Mayfield Student support officer in my interview with her on Friday 5th December

What role do you play in the Colleges support Services ?

my role in the college is to support students emotionally, point them in the right direction,
give them Counceling.

What sort of problems do people come to you with ?

its varied majority financial, students left home living on there own, people also come to me with relationship problems, sometimes they have no money, sometimes they feel they've picked the wrong courses.

so what financial help is available for students ?

Acces fund which is run through the college gives people money for trips and equipment. E.M.A some people are not aware they are able to get e.m.a. And Emergency fund for students who are in desperate needs.


what housing help can you offer for students ?
conexion officers speak to them people. And we sometimes take them to Burgh council if the situation is urgent and they need housing that day.

how would you commonly handle a situation such as a student becoming homeless ?

If its there choice its difficult because sometimes the state wont back them up. If they decided they don't want to live at home because of an argument theres not much they can do unless they have money to rent somewere. It really depends on the circumstances.

do you have any advice for students with problems, who are afraid to approach a member of the support service ?

My advice would be, I know sometimes it can be difficult we are seen as figures of authority sometimes. talk to your tutors and they can always come along with you to meet any of the support team and once they get through the door they will see we are only here to support.

do you believe in anyway the additional support service in college could be improved?

I do believe it could be improved, I think more money is required to get some additional members of staff to help the students as much as possible.