This month the University of Leeds will launch its ‘StandAlone pledge’, part of a nation-wide scheme to help estranged students studying without the support or approval of a family network. StandAlone estimates that there are around 70 estranged students currently studying here.
The pledge aims to focus on ‘finance, accommodation, mental health and well-being, outreach and transition and communication/raising awareness’.
Estranged students are a target group for scholarships of up to £2000 a year, and are eligible for a cash bursary, or discount on fees or university accommodation. They are also guaranteed a place in University-owned accommodation all year round (including holidays). The Union is also facilitating a student-led support system.
@beccablandish @UKStandAlone Do fantastic work supporting those who are estranged from their family of origin. Sometimes it is necessary, sometimes it is kind, and it is always courageous. https://t.co/fxe3BrtDYm
— rae tooth (@raetooth) October 18, 2018
They also intend to offer academic workshops, skills development opportunities, peer mentoring and assistance with accessing support services.
As well as a lack of financial support, research led by the University of Cambridge suggests that estranged students have often experienced abuse or clashes of beliefs and values (both key causes of family estrangement). For those who identify as LGBT+, this risk is even greater. Some students may have been discouraged from education by their families and not equip with a toolkit of skills needed for studying.
These students aren’t just let down by their families; a study of 584 estranged students, carried out by Student Finance England and StandAlone, found that intervention from social services was lacking in around 60% of cases. 28% of those in the study did not feel comfortable accessing support within their institution, while 41% had considered withdrawing or suspending their education due to stress, or economic or mental health pressures.
Well done @UKStandAlone for raising this. If I was still on the Student Loans Company stakeholder board I would be raging to their faces.
We need to do away with the loan system which disproportionately excludes working class & estranged students. Living grants the only way.
— Shelly Asquith (@ShellyAsquith) August 2, 2018
Lisa Firth, the university’s co-ordinator for estranged students, advises: “If you find yourself in this situation I can help, so drop me an email and we can arrange an appointment to see how I can best support you.”
She also offers help navigating the often-complicated systems in place: “I can assist you in contacting Student Finance England if you are struggling to be assessed as financially independent, support you with application for grants and bursaries, and help you to access activities for students staying in Leeds out of term time (as these can be particularly difficult times).”
She also recommends the Plus Programme, which “provides opportunities to learn new skills, develop networks with potential employers and attend social events with students who may be in similar situations.”
Emma Jacobs
Image: [Pixabay]