Cost of Living Support at the University

COST OF LIVING

SUPPORT AT THE UNIVERSITY

SUPPORT FOR STAFF

We recognise the anxiety caused by the current economic situation and the real impact that this is having on some colleagues, so we have put together some information on where you can access support for your finances and where you can make savings.

TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT SAVINGS

The University will not pass on cost increases on parking and park and ride permits, and will meet the additional payments itself by freezing costs for this academic year.

In addition, the University has a range of discounts and ways of saving money on travel and transport. To find out more visit the Travel and Transport pages on the intranet.

FOOD ON CAMPUS SAVINGS

Our Food on Campus team have several things in place to help you save money whilst still enjoying food and drink across campus. This includes using WINPay for all transactions, joining the Kale Yeah loyalty scheme, tapping your ID card on the readers when you purchase a hot drink, and joining the cup deposit scheme in coffee bars.

£2.50 FOOD BOWLS

The Food Hall in the King Alfred Centre offer a value for money food bowl for just £2.50. Each day they will be offering an option for anyone who wants a quick, inexpensive, but nutritious meal.

FOOD ON CAMPUS SAVINGS

WINPay

Your University ID card is the key to edible credit which helps you save money at all Food on Campus outlets. Scan the app or top up your account to earn loyalty points, receive 3% back on each purchase and enjoy free food and drink vouchers. For more information click here.

Kale Yeah

The Food on Campus team are promoting the purchase of plant-based dishes across all outlets on campus, including sandwiches and snacks. To benefit from the Kale Yeah promotion just buy six products from the two promotions, and you will get a free stamp. Once you get six stamps we will reward you with a free meal, it’s as easy as that. For more information click here.

Free Drinks and Desposit Reuse Scheme

Every time you buy a hot drink in our coffee bars just tap your ID card on the card reader and you will receive a loyalty stamp. Collect nine and your 10th drink is free. Additionally, if you haven’t done so already, join our cup deposit scheme. For a one-off investment of £2 you will never have to use or pay for a disposable cup again. For more information click here.

‘Free4all’ account on Snapchat

If you are on Snapchat, don’t forget to follow our ‘Free4all’ account. Any surplus food we have left is placed into the three fridges across campus – KKB, WDC level 1 Food Hall and the Learning Café. We then send out a message to all our followers. Be quick as it doesn’t usually stay in there very long!

CYCLE TO WORK SCHEME

The University of Winchester operates a Cycle to Work Scheme in partnership with Cyclescheme, who have a network of over 1,300 cycle shops across the UK.

This is only available to salaried staff as the cost of the bike and any safety equipment is taken through salary sacrifice over 12 months, before any Tax or NI contributions. You are therefore able to make a saving of around 30% on these purchases.

For further information please visit the Cycle to Work Scheme on the Human Resources and Payroll Intranet pages.

STAFF WELLBEING ACTIVITIES

At the university, along with all the free wellbeing workshops, we also offer free exercise classes for staff such as Pilates, Tai Chi, Yoga, Zumba, Ballet and Football. Please see the link below to view the what’s on calendar. All staff activities are highlighted in green.

Visit What’s On on the intranet

There is also a staff discount for the University gym. Visit Sports Facilities on the intranet

WINCHESTER STAFF BENEFITS

Winchester Staff Benefits is a benefits platform for staff at the University where you can access a range of discounts or cashback offers at various national retailers. The site can be accessed 24/7 at home or work, on your PC or compatible mobile device.

To log in please go on to Winchester Reward Gateway and log in using your University staff email address and the password chosen when you first registered to Winchester Staff Benefits. All discounts can also be accessed through the Smart Spending App which can be downloaded from the website.

If you have any problems accessing the site, please contact Nikki Bellerby, Staff Wellbeing Officer or Henry Parry, Systems & Data Co-ordinator.

Please note that Winchester Staff Benefits is only available for salaried staff and Associate Lecturers.

PHYSIOTHERAPY SAVINGS

Staff can benefit from a 25% discount for physiotherapy treatment at Winchester Health Clinic. Appointments usually cost £30. We also operate a staff referral scheme where staff may be able to access up to three free sessions.

Visit Winchester Health Clinic for more information.

HSBC Bank are offering free online live webinars daily throughout each month on various financial topics, such as coping with the cost of living. Staff can also book a 30 minute free financial health check over the phone with an advisor and there is no obligation to bank with HSBC. This service is available regardless of where you bank. Please click on the links below for further information.

HSBC Financial Wellbeing: webinar timetable

HSBC Financial Health Check information

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Coping with financial worries can have a negative impact on your mental health so we are here to support you. Please talk to someone about your concerns early on. If you need someone to talk to, the following people are available at the University.

Nikki Bellerby – Staff Wellbeing Officer Human Resources team Care First Employee Assistance Programme Chaplaincy

Please see below for further links on where you can get help and support for your mental health in relation to financial worries.

Mental Health & Money Advice: Your mental health

Mental Health & Money Advice: Top tips & advice

Mental Health Foundation: The cost of living and your mental health

Mind: Money and mental health

EXTERNAL