St Catharine’s welcomes its first Welfare Officer to support students, Fellows and staff

The first member of staff with a remit entirely focused on supporting the welfare of students, Fellows and staff joined St Catharine’s last week. Effective from 13 January, Mary Simuyandi has been appointed as the College’s Welfare Officer.

“The newly-created role of Welfare Officer is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the welfare of the St Catharine’s community. In order for us to work effectively to support all areas of life in College, we need to ensure that all members of the community are supported to fulfill their potential and do their best,” commented Dr Miranda Griffin, Senior Tutor, St Catharine’s College. “I am delighted to welcome Mary, who will be working collaboratively with others in College to make sure our programme of welfare activities remains relevant, effective and accessible.”

Having grown up in Cambridge, Mary was most recently the Mental Health Lead at a secondary school and sixth form college in London, where she coordinated mental health and counselling services and pastoral support for over 1,500 students.

“I am pleased to be joining St Catharine’s and look forward to working alongside the College Nurse, Chaplain, Senior Tutor, HR team and both JCR and MCR welfare representatives to enhance access to the services and resources available,” added Mary. “In my previous role, I supported students and the staff who taught them in achieving their goals in a positive environment, and I look forward to building upon these experiences and insights as Welfare Officer for St Catharine’s.”

Mary is available to provide confidential support for any wellbeing-related concerns or queries in person or by email and telephone (01223 338306). Appointments can be booked to see her 8.30am–2.30pm between Monday and Thursday each week. Her office on the first floor of the Bull Building (Office F).