What is like finishing up your degree and starting your new job, unable to see anyone outside your own flat? Amanda Scully, 4th year International Relations undergraduate and forthcoming Vice-President Communities with the Student Association, tells us about managing assessment changes and the library closure, ending her internship, and getting ready to start her busy Sabbatical Officer year, all from the confines of her small flat in Edinburgh. She also talks about her decision to remain in Edinburgh when many of her classmates were returning home, and what it is like to hear news of the lockdown from her home city of New York. She reflects on how connection with family can grow stronger despite, or because of social distancing, and the delights of transatlantic online family workouts!

For Coronavirus updates and advice,and FAQs please see the University webpages here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/covid-19

The Chaplaincy blogs ‘For Times Like These’ https://www.ed.ac.uk/chaplaincy/for-times-like-these are written specifically for mental health and wellbeing support during lockdown, as are these mindfulness virtual drop-ins: https://www.ed.ac.uk/chaplaincy/mindfulness-and-wellbeing/mindfulness-virtual-drop-ins

For University support

The University Listening Service (for students and staff) is continuing throughout the lockdown, listening.service@ed.ac.uk

Student Counselling Service, https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-counselling

Staff Counselling Service, https://www.ed.ac.uk/counselling-services/staff

If any of the issues in this broadcast have affected you and you’d like support, here are some helplines.

If you feel that you or someone you are with is in danger right now, please call 999

A 24/ hour emergency mental health service, Mental health assessment service

us on 0131 537 6000.

· Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87

· The Samaritans 08457 90 90 90

· Edinburgh Crisis Centre 0808 801 0414