Understanding Universal Credit - Entry / Basic level

NASMA are pleased to host a launch event for National Student Money Week 2026, delivered by Kellie McAlonan, NASMA Chair.

The theme this year is Future Ready: Money Skills for Success, taking place the week of 2nd to 6th March 2026.

At this event we will showcase the Campaign Pack and resources that will be available to help you deliver this campaign on your campuses, as well as the external partnerships that have been developed to support this national campaign. 

Join us to kick start you National Student Money Week 2026 planning.

This online event is also open to non-members, who are keen to engage in National Student Money Week activity. 

Across campuses, more students are navigating the challenges of housing insecurity and homelessness—often silently. When students face homelessness, good intentions aren’t always enough, and the age old question of 'duty of care' often arises.

Join us for this panel with sector practitioners, where we will discuss support approaches, looking at the key considerations needed to offer the best support to students, in a student-centred approach.

You'll hear from Amy Byrne from Manchester Metropolitan University who has been researching hidden student homelessness, and from Matt Parkin and Kellie McAlonan who will share the thought processes and approaches that go into their institutional responses in these cases. 

There will be an opportunity to share challenges and best practice, so come prepared to ask questions, not just of the panel, but the wider NASMA audience.

NASMA are pleased to host National Student Money Week 2026 Discussion Forums. These events will provide a platform for discussion and sharing best practice, to help you kick start your campaign planning. 

Tell us what you are doing in your institution, what has worked and what hasn't. This is also a great platform to ask questions of fellow members if you are new to National Student Money Week. 

Space is limited as we want to keep the numbers of participants at a level conducive to an effective discussion, so please book quickly to avoid disappointment. 

There are two different sessions to choose from. If more than one member of your team wishes to attend, we recommend attending different sessions to benefit more fully from the varied discussion we expect.

This sessions will provide a “back to basics” overview of the funding schemes administered by SAAS including residency and previous study.

This sessions will be suitable for staff across the institution including new staff, or those who would like a refresher and will allow staff an opportunity to ask questions which will enhance your engagement with students.

During the session we will:

• explain the funding available from SAAS for students planning to undertake higher education courses (HNC/HND/Degree courses); and
• provide advice on our general residence eligibility and previous study arrangements; and
• answer any questions attendees have about assisting students with their application and the funding available;
• provide advice on how students can provide the necessary supporting evidence for their application.

This session provides an update on developments within the Hardship Fund guidance for 2025/26, particularly with regard to developments for postgraduate assessments. There will also be some practical content regarding the use of the calculation sheets which accompany the guidance, including how to customise for your own institution.

This 90-minute workshop will let you hear more about successful Money Mentor schemes in different parts of the UK. Join us as members from 3 institutions tell you more about their individual experiences of employing students in a Money Mentor capacity. You will then have the opportunity to ask questions to find out more.

Money Mentors are paid student employees who work part time during their studies and assist Money & Welfare teams with the delivery of their services. How they participate can vary from helping out at events, writing blogs, helping with service delivery or developing resources. All depending on how the service is set up and the way they have been employed.

Join us to find out more.

This informative and engaging session will be a practical, easy to digest 2 hour virtual seminar. Matt will cover the basics from how to write a short, relevant press release, when is an appropriate time to do so and how to find and develop contacts with the local media.

• Key messaging
• What journalists are looking for
• Storytelling techniques – including approaching the media and writing press releases
• Key tips and advice re print, radio and TV
• Controlling the narrative – including bridging and steering
• Statements
• Q&A

The Funding Information Services Team will be delivering a training session focusing on how to prepare students for Undergraduate application launch will be included, covering mailing lists, resources and key messages. During this session the FIS Team will also produce MI data to draw insight on application trends by household income, independent students and timely applications. This session should provide you with the tools and insight required to assist your students with readying for their student finance applications, ensuring they are applying on time and correctly.

This 60-minute workshop will help you identify esports and understand its appeal to young people. You'll gain confidence to discuss esports, recognise educational and career opportunities, and identify potential risks.

Topics covered:

• You will be able to identify esports and will understand the appeal to young people​
• You will have increased confidence and knowledge to talk to young people about esports
• You will recognise the opportunities of esports and understand the growth in education and careers
• You will recognise the potential risk and be able to identify how harms may arise
• You be able to support and sign post young people