I was interested to read Sir Anthony Seldon’s “10 steps to address the student mental health crisis” (16 October). This problem can be especially prevalent among international students who are far from home and working within an unfamiliar culture. The charity Host offers international students the chance to spend a day, weekend or a few days at Christmas in volunteers’ homes. This means that those who have not seen their families for months can take a break and feel relaxed in a welcoming home environment.
Last year, Host could place only half of more than 1,000 applicants during the Christmas period because of a lack of volunteer hosts. So if you have “room at the inn” at Christmas, I encourage you to offer a warm home to an international student. More information can be found at www.hostuk.org.
Kimberley Brough
Hertfordshire
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