Why named contacts matter for care-experienced young people
As influencers of care-experienced young people, you’ll know that even small details, like knowing who to turn to for help, can make a huge difference when students are navigating their next steps.
For many care-experienced students, applying to university or college can feel daunting. Alongside the usual questions about courses and accommodation, there’s the added decision of whether to declare their care background. Some worry about stigma, while others may not realise the support available to them.
This is where the Tick the Box campaign comes in. By declaring their status as a Care Leaver on the UCAS form, young people can unlock access to tailored support from bursaries to year-round housing. However, to feel confident in ticking that box, they need reassurance that the right people will be there to help.
That’s why most providers have a named care leaver contact. This is a dedicated member of staff, often in student support or widening participation teams. These contacts can:
- Provide one-to-one reassurance and advice.
- Signpost to bursaries, scholarships, and wellbeing services.
- Offer a consistent point of contact throughout the student journey.
Information about the named contacts in Go Higher West Yorkshire’s 13 HE members can be found under the ‘support provided by our Higher Education Providers’ tab on our Care Leaver Covenant webpage.
Things to consider when researching a HE provider
When supporting young people to research or attend open days, it’s worth asking:
- Does the HE provider have a page outlining its support for care-experienced students (and can you share it with them directly)?
- Does the provider hold the NNECL Quality Mark, which signals a strong commitment to supporting care-experienced students?
It’s important to remind young people that any information they share about their care background is treated sensitively. Only the necessary individuals, like the named contact, will see it. Far from being a label or a stigma, this declaration ensures they won’t miss out on vital opportunities and support that can help them thrive during their studies.
Ultimately, a named contact is often more than just an email address. They’re a trusted, empathetic person who helps students feel seen, supported, and secure in higher education. And with your encouragement, more care-experienced young people will feel confident enough to tick the box and claim the support they deserve.
Rob Sott, Go Higher West Yorkshire Training Delivery Officer
