Welfare
Welfare at Bridges - What is it?
The JCR has two student officers who provide information & support for students. The Welfare Officers receive training from RUSU and meet regularly with the Hall Warden to discuss issues of student welfare in the hall. The Welfare Officers also provide free condoms as well as attack alarms for a small charge.
You can contact us by emailing welfare@bridgesjcr.co.uk for general welfare enquiries. Alternatively, you can text or call 07932539376
We also have a Welfare Facebook Group. Click here to access the page.
Freshers' Week
Freshers' week will be a new experience for all. For some it will be the first time they have lived away from home. The Welfare Officers and the rest of the committee will be on hand throughout Freshers' Week to help all new students to settle into their new surroundings. Right the way through Freshers' Week, we will be running a range of activities and events for everyone, from sports, to bar quizzes & the Freshers' Formal. There will be plenty going on to give everyone a chance to meet new people and friends.
Responsible Drinking
Bridges Hall JCR promotes responsible and safe drinking at all times and we do this by providing the following:
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Our members can get free "spikees" to prevent bottled drinks from being spiked.
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Spike testing kits are available from behind the bar or from the Welfare Officers upon request.
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We provide free condoms and lube which are available from the notice boards, behind the bar or upon request.
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Attack alarms can be purchased for £1 from the Welfare Officers.
RUSU Welfare Campaigns
RUSU Welfare Website
The RUSU Welfare website is available here
Housing Talks
RUSU run housing talks annually in halls providing a plethora of information about private rented accommodation.
These are usually held around the beginning of the Spring Term and are run by RUSU. There is information on the notice boards about housing. The housing talks are hosted in halls and on the main campus, along with 'Find a House Mate' talks which helps individual students find house mates.
SSHH Campaign
SSHH = Silent Student, Happy Homes
The SSHH campaign is promoted both on and off campus to help reduce noise during exam time & night time. It also encourages students living off campus to respect their neighbours. It was launched last year in response to a rise in interest on the issue of students in the local community. In halls, the end of the Spring Term is hectic for finalists as final year projects have to be in. In the Summer Term, exams highlight the need to promote the SSHH campaign.
Be considerate and keep it down - everyone deserves a good night’s sleep.
Tailgating
Do you know what tailgating is?
Tailgating is allowing someone who you don't know into halls. There have been instances of tailgating into halls which can lead to theft and vandalism. RUSU, the University's Security Team and the Thames Valley Police are working together to raise awareness of the dangers of tailgating. If you are worried about this, then security can be reached on 0118 378 7799.
You wouldn't invite a stranger into your home, so don't let them into your hall!
Healthy Living
There are many ways in which you can live healthily whilst being at University. A few are:
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Joining the Gym (The University has its own Sports Park which is at the main gate off Shinfield Road. You can join a Sports Society throughout the year and the Tennis/Squash courts are also available here at Bridges)
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Healthy Eating - order a Veg Box at R U Being Served? (There are plenty of other promotions that are held in RUSU)
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Stop Smoking - the Medical Centre offers advice about how to quit smoking successfully
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Free Chlamydia Screening (This is promoted at RUSU and performed by the Royal Berkshire Sexual Health Clinic but we also hope to have an evening where they will come to Bridges Hall)
RUSU says 'Relax'
The Reading University Students' Union provides exam stress help here
