Evidencing Edge Hill University Coffee, Croissant, Connect Project

The WT&E Function funded a project at Edge Hill University to help reduce student attrition in health programmes. Jacqueline McKenna, Dr Karen Connor, Professor Jacqueline Leigh, Louise Westhead and Penny Hawkins report on the funding.

The NHS England-funded Coffee, Croissant, Connect project started in January 2023, as an early morning ‘drop in’ event twice weekly in the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine at Edge Hill University, dedicated to the School of Nursing and Midwifery students.

The aim was to reduce student attrition in health programmes with the initiative being created in response to the student voice and the unique elements of university experience for those studying and experiencing the rigours of preparing to be a nursing associate, nurse or midwife in today’s health and social care environments. This project offered valuable support for students, over and above the existing support.

Locally, Edge Hill University had 85 students withdraw from nursing and midwifery programmes during 2021/22. A university internal “Welcome Back” survey identified that a third of respondents had considered leaving, demonstrating a 5 percent increase in the previous year’s figures. 40 of those students who considered leaving programmes were from the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Lack of engagement in class, major financial difficulties, mental health issues and not feeling connected with fellow students were just a few of the examples given as to why students considered leaving.

Furthermore, an evaluation conducted at Edge Hill University in 2022 identified that post- pandemic, students missed the connectivity and belonging of being at university and this manifested as challenges in knowing about the support available and lack of communication between academics, administrative staff and students.

The funding was utilised to provide croissants, tea, coffee and soft drinks, dietary options were available at every event and administrative support for the project to arrange and advertise dates and involvement in the evaluations was organised.

The events were hosted in a social space in the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine. This project was in addition to the timetabled opportunities to talk with lead staff in all programmes, personal tutor contact time and other processes in place to support students to remain on programmes.

Students were provided with the opportunity to complete an online survey to capture feedback, improvement, and recommendations:

40 students completed the survey, providing their view and experience of attending: The initial evaluation highlighted that students appreciated meeting and getting to know others and building friendships, they enjoyed the informal setting and felt it was a positive start to the day. In addition, students identified that attending these events provided opportunities to discuss issues they felt uncomfortable raising in larger groups.

Overall satisfaction is provided: As a result of positive student feedback, the School of Nursing and Midwifery will continue with this event bi-monthly. Thank you to all the students who completed the evaluation, the initial feedback highlighted those students felt an increased sense of belonging, were able to connect with other students, and sensed they gained additional support.