Local partners empower students at Solent to take control of their finances

Dedicated to offering a range of specialist support services, as well as accessible events which offer students the tools and knowledge they need to thrive, Solent's latest event invited regional partners onto campus to highlight financial safety.

Joined by Barclays, SEROCU Economic Crime Prevent team and Hampshire Constabulary's neighbourhood policing team, Solent invited students to find out more about staying safe against scams and fraud.

The event - which was designed to ensure students and staff feel in charge of their finances and informed about the kinds of scams targeted at learners - connected them with funding and safeguarding teams, as well as external partners.

Recognising the complex nature of scams, this event encouraged students to learn more about the tactics used by fraudsters in order to safeguard against financial crime. Solent is committed to taking a person-centred approach to safeguarding and support, and events like this are just one way in which the University empowers its students to stay on top of their money. Director of Student Success, Tania Struetzel, says:

"We are delighted to collaborate with Barclays, SEROCU Economic Crime Prevent team and the neighbourhood police team to raise awareness and provide information, advice and guidance to students and staff to feel safer and more confident in recognising economic crime. Statistically, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the most likely days people can become a victim of fraud and scams.

"Having over 300 students and staff attend the event demonstrates the importance of this topic and we are grateful to our partner organisations for their ongoing support in safeguarding our university community."

Also in attendance was the SEROCU Economic Crime Prevent team who informed students about economic crime, the different types of fraud likely to impact students, and the risks becoming involved in money muling. A spokesperson says:

"By raising awareness of these topics, we hope to safeguard students in the short and long term, setting them up for financial success and ensuring they feel confident in identifying when something is too good to be true."