UK Support in the Pandemic

UK SUPPORT DURING THE PANDEMIC

The transition from Tanglin to university was especially challenging in 2020.

Many of our families were unable to travel to the UK with their university-bound sons and daughters, leaving those Tanglin Alumni to settle into a new country – and a new life – with sometimes little support.

MUM’S THE WORD

Backed by the coordinating efforts of the Alumni Team, Friends of Tanglin banded together to form an informal network of support for these graduates. Spread out across the UK, the group called and spoke with Alumni, offering open invitations to join for a meal or visit – and even their spare rooms. We asked them to reflect on the experience.

Above left: Rachel and family at Bath. Above right: Fraser and friend Matthew McPhee (2020 cohort).

Rachael Campbell Parent of Fraser Campbell (2020 cohort)

“I have two sons at university in the UK – one at the University of Bath and the other at the University of Worcester. The universities, and Birmingham Airport, are all a short drive away. We have a spare room and I am happy to help any Tanglin Alumni enrolled at either institution who needs support! Last year, one of my sons’ friends flew in from Singapore and stayed with us until it was time for them both to start at Bath. One day, we went shopping to buy all the gear they would need and I suggested they pick out two sets of bedding each. They asked, ‘Why two?’ I explained, ‘You’ll need one for the bed while the other is in the washing machine.’ They laughed, ‘That’s not going to happen!’ We had a similar conversation when I hinted they might want to take an iron…”

Lisa Mowle Parent of Louis Mowle (2020 cohort)

“We had several Tanglin Alumni staying with us in 2020, mainly friends of my son. We’re happy to help anyone who might need it again this year – we’re close to Heathrow and have a spare room.”

Angela Wheaton Parent of Grace Wheaton (2020 cohort)

“Last year, I supported Tanglin Alumni via email and offered to cook a few Sunday lunches. To this day, however, I haven’t had any takers on that; I am a dreadful cook, so perhaps word got out!”

Do you need support overseas? Are you willing to offer it to others? Friends of Tanglin is an amazing resource for our Alumni. To find out more, contact us at alumni@tts.edu.sg.

“We’re happy to help anyone who might need it”