Estranged

  • Estranged Student Pledge 2024-25

    The Estranged Student Pledge (formerly Stand Alone Pledge) is aimed at students studying without family support. It raises awareness of the support available for them across our 13 member institutions including whether they have named contacts, dedicated web-pages, and additional financial support. It also features a definition of estranged, summarises some of the benefits of studying in HE, a glossary of HE terms, quotes from estranged students, and a list of top tips to help individuals on their HE journey. 

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  • Understanding and Supporting Care Experienced/Estranged Students

    By the end of this CPD course, you will have the knowledge, understanding and confidence that will empower you to support care experienced young people and estranged students in Higher Education (HE). The course may also be of interest to staff that work in counselling, careers or marketing in HE so they can better communicate with and/or provide support for these students.

    View Resources

Support offered

Bradford College

Named contact

Rachel Bradbury is our dedicated Estranged Student contact: R.Bradbury@bradfordcollege.ac.uk

Finance support

Our £500 Estranged Student Grant is available to all estranged students studying an undergraduate degree. The College’s Hardship Fund prioritises applications received from estranged students.

Accommodation support

If you are a Estranged Student, you may be entitled to approximately £5,500 to support your accommodation for each academic year. This may include extended cover over the holidays.

Accommodation Grants are calculated according to individual circumstances, and are dependent on approval of sufficient supporting evidence. The Accommodation Grant cannot be provided in conjunction with the Bradford College Undergraduate Bursary. To receive this grant as an Estranged Student, you must provide Student Finance England conformation that you have been granted independent student status.

For more information about the financial support you may be entitled to, please contact quest@bradfordcollege.ac.uk

Wellbeing support

An independent Counselling Service which offers confidential space to talk and discuss emotional and mental wellbeing issues is available to our estranged students. Our Student Welfare Support Team provides a dedicated support package for estranged students and all our departments have fully trained staff as Mental Health Champions supporting students as required.

Outreach support

Working with the Student Recruitment, the QUEST Team provides pre-enrolment support for estranged students which covers all aspects of the application and enrolment process. We also provide personalised tours of the College and subject specialism advice for all estranged students.

Dedicated website

QUEST Team

University of Bradford

Named contact

Chelsea Redshaw in the Outreach team is the named point of contact throughout the journey to university. The Outreach team is here to support in deciding if university is the right choice, and to provide advice and guidance in making a university application. Contact the team via: schoolsandcolleges@bradford.ac.uk
Tracy Teale is a Student Life Advisers and is the named point of contact throughout the time at the university. Tracy will support by:
  • Arranging to meet within the first few weeks at Bradford to answer any questions and to produce a bespoke support plan.
  • Helping apply for the Estranged Student Bursary, and any other financial support available.
  • Being a central point of contact throughout univesity, supporting with any questions or concerns.
  • Liaising with Student Finance England and other funding bodies to help apply for financial support.
  • Signposting to the wide range of Student Support teams available, as and when needed.

Contact Tracy at t.l.teale@bradford.ac.uk

Financial support

An Estranged Student Bursary of £1,000 per year is available to all students who are estranged from their parents and who meet the eligibility criteria for the bursary. The Bursary is paid each year at the end of May, but we can consider earlier payments based on individual needs. For more information or to request an application form, email our team on estranged@bradford.ac.uk. Please note that this is in addition to any other entitlement to financial support a student may have.
Additional financial help is also available from the University’s Student Support Fund which, depending on circumstances, can award grants of up to £2,000 a year. Estranged students have priority access to the Fund and it is open to them all year round.
There is also a dedicated Student Life Adviser contact to help students with their finances and funding throughout their time at Bradford. This support is available from pre-application through to graduation.

Accommodation support

In addition to the standard 42-week contract available to all students, the University can support you in securing year-round accommodation, if needed. We can also help to negotiate a contract without a guarantor in some instances by paying fees up front from the support fund.
For more information visit www.bradford.ac.uk/accommodation

Wellbeing support

Our Counselling Service recognise that as an estranged student may have additional pressures and challenges to face and offer someone to talk to confidentially about emotional and mental wellbeing issues.
The service is open all year round and is available via face-to-face appointments, email and telephone. The team also help with access to online therapeutic self-help resources and deliver group workshops. If there is a particular theme or topic a student needs help with, or they would like us to run a group about, they can get in touch. No issue is too small.
For more information visit www.bradford.ac.uk/counselling/

Outreach support

The Outreach team can support by:
  • Being a point of contact to provide individual support and information during any part of the journey to University
  • Providing one to one guidance with the UCAS application
  • Arranging individual campus visits to visit the University and meet our student ambassadors
  • Organising bespoke activity to find out more about university

Dedicated website

https://www.bradford.ac.uk/undergraduate/widening-participation/estranged/

Staff development

Service champions for Estranged Students, who are focused on the unique challenges Estranged Students face, and work to ensure that services meet these needs

Rent guarantor

We provide financial assistance for accommodation with support for guarantor fees for private accommodation.

Graduation cost support

We offer access to two free gowns for students who graduate.

Experiences on campus

The Outreach team can support by arranging individual campus visits to visit the University and meet our student ambassadors. We also have a dedicated stand for students who fall under our progression scheme at all open days and applicant days, therefore students can come and discuss any individual queries they may have.

Contextual admissions

The progression scheme is designed to benefit undergraduate applicants whose personal and educational circumstances mean they could be less likely to receive an offer based on our standard entry criteria.
As part of the scheme, applicants will automatically receive a reduced offer of 8 UCAS points lower than our standard entry criteria. An addtional 8 point reduction (total 16 UCAS points) can be gained by completing the below:
1. Attending an Open Day
2. Attending a Progression Scheme Webinar
3. Completing a Post-Webinar Task

Support with the transition to HE

As an estranged student you will be invited to join the Step Up to HE programme at the start of the academic year. It is the perfect opportunity to meet other students and members of staff while beginning to develop some of the essential skills needed to make a success of univeristy studies.
For more information visit www.bradford.ac.uk/step-up/

Application support

The Outreach Team are on hand to help with any application support. This includes one to one guidance with the UCAS application, Personal Statement writing sessions, Interview Skills sessions, as well as any other queries.

Employability support

Our Career and Employability Services offer a welcoming, supportive environment where students can access impartial careers information, advice and guidance from professionally qualified staff. At Bradford we have a dedicated advisor in the team who can work with and signpost estranged students to a range of services and support offered by Career and Employability Services.
For more information visit www.bradford.ac.uk/careers/

Academic support

We offer a pathway with student success to give immediate access to study coaching if estranged students are struggling with their academic matters.

University Centre Calderdale College

Finance support

For advice on financial support that may be available please contact adviceguidance@caderdale.ac.uk

University of Huddersfield

Named contact

We offer dedicated support and guidance through a named student services contact is provided from prior to application, to admission, through to graduation.

Contact Ruth Cohen for outreach support (R.Cohen@hud.ac.uk) or Rebecca Hayes (wellbeing support) r.hayes@hud.ac.uk

Finance support

We provide information, advice and support to estranged students on how to apply for funding and independent status through SFE. We are working towards prioritising estranged student access to the £1000 University of Huddersfield scholarship in first year of study, and priority access to the student hardship fund.

Accommodation support

We work with estranged students to support them in finding accommodation to suit their needs and with accommodation providers and the Students’ Union lettings service to ensure affordable access to accommodation outside term time. We will help estranged students with specific arrangements around deposits and guarantors.

Wellbeing support

We provide a wide range of mental health groups and workshops including a Trans student support group and are working in partnership with our SU to develop support for estranged students. We have named contacts for estranged students within the Student Wellbeing Service and ensure that students are supported with referrals to relevant local support groups and external agencies.

Outreach support

We will continue to target young people estranged from their families within widening participation outreach programmes and bespoke activities. We will continue to assist and them through the university application process and provide specific programmes and activities designed to help with their transition into University life. We are continuously improving the information for estranged students on our website.

Staff development

Extend training and briefing activities and consider establishing ‘champions’ across all academic schools, develop events for Virtual School Heads to promote opportunities and improve transitions

Rent guarantor

We will help estranged students with specific arrangements around deposits and guarantors.

Support with transition to HE

We work with students to ensure there is a smooth transition to HE from FE. Named contacts Rebecca Hayes and Ruth Cohen will ensure you are suported.

Kirklees College

Financial support

A Care Coordinator will support you with all applications whether internal student finance or support to apply for external funds and/or benefits.

Named contact

A Care Coordinator is assigned to every estranged student who will oversee educational reviews, liaise with any internal and exteranal support and act as an advocate and mentor.

Natalie Law, Wellbeing Lead, can be contacted at: nadams01@kirkleescollege.ac.uk

Wellbeing support

Estranged students will have a Pastoral Mentor/Mentor for Apprentices to support day to day wellbeing and signposting to services. A bespoke Personal Development programme is in place for estranged students which includes how to stay mentally and physically healthy. Students can take part in activities such as mindfulness, exercise classes and cooking for health on a budget.

Employment support

A Care Coordinator will ensure that estranged students have appropriate information, advice and guidance (IAG), and a relevant work placement. This can include support financially and emotionally to attend interviews, obtain appropriate clothing and navigating public transport.

Outreach support

We work in partnership with schools to ensure early identification of estranged applicants and offer appropriate support through application, enrolment and induction to ensure a supported transition.

Staff development

Ensure that all staff are aware of the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by estranged students and the referral pathways available to them.

Training to help staff understand the experiences of estranged students

Both internal teams and external providers have access to training, such as Trauma Informed Schools UK.

Graduation cost support

Available through internal student finance support.

Experiences on campus

Our Bespoke Personal Development Programme includes enrichment opportunities on campus.

Support with the transition to HE

Pastoral Mentors and Care Coordinators will work with estranged students throughout progression reviews at a frequency and level to suit. This may include interview skills and mock interviews with Careers Advisors, support to attend Open Days, support with preparation for living away and researching support on offer at institutions.

Personal education plan

Estranged students will have a personal education plan review three times per academic year with all relevant staff and external representatives e.g mental health support worker, to ensure the student is on track and has all the support in place to achieve agreed targets.

University of Leeds

Named contact

Lisa Firth – estrangedstudents@leeds.ac.uk.

Financial support

Undergraduate estranged students who are financially independent or have a household income below £42,875 are actively encouraged to apply for the undergraduate means-tested scholarship and receive weighted scores in the selection criteria. This scholarship is worth £3,000 for three years of their Leeds degree: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-funding-university/doc/personal-circumstances-scholarships
If any students don’t receive the undergraduate means-tested scholarship, they will automatically be provided with the Leeds Bursary if they are deemed eligible, which is worth up to £2,000 per year of their degree: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-funding-university/doc/leeds-bursary
Regardless of whether they are in receipt of the scholarship or the bursary, undergraduate estranged students who are able to evidence their circumstances will receive an additional £2,000 per year.
Estranged students studying Masters courses at the university are also encouraged to apply for the Leeds Masters Scholarship which is worth £7,000, and receive weighted scores in the selection criteria: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/masters-funding-scholarships/doc/leeds-masters-scholarships
Our named contact can also assist students in applying for estranged student status through Student Finance.
As members of the Plus Programme, students can apply for up to £500 to put towards personal and professional development opportunities such as internships, job interviews and conferences. Furthermore, students are able to receive reimbursements for LUU society membership fees and associated costs.
Lastly, if any students find themselves facing financial hardship, they can apply for emergency funding through the university’s Financial Assistance Fund: https://students.leeds.ac.uk/info/10231/university-financial-assistance-fund

Accommodation support

The University has developed a package of support for undergraduate estranged students. This includes:
  • A guaranteed place in University-owned accommodation (and estranged students are usually able to receive their first choice)
  • The offer of 365-day accommodation
  • A waiver of the upfront security deposit for University-owned accommodation
  • The option to delay accommodation payments until the student has received the first instalment of their student loan
  • The Plus Programme team also provide a detailed accommodation resource for estranged students, with a particular focus on securing private accommodation.

Wellbeing support

1-1 staff support: 1-1 support is available via Lisa Firth (estrangedstudents@leeds.ac.uk)
The Student Counselling and Wellbeing Service are a multi-professional team of counsellors, mental health advisors and wellbeing practitioners who offer a range of support services including:
  • Single session consultation appointments
  • Mental health and wellbeing support
  • Face-to-face and online counselling
  • Groups and workshops
  • Meditation
  • A range of online resources including TogetherAll
The Counselling and Wellbeing Service also offer bespoke wellbeing workshops for students on the Plus Programme.
As a team they have extensive experience of the issues and difficulties that students can face while studying. Students can complete an online self-referral form available 24 hours a day to make an appointment. For further information see: http://students.leeds.ac.uk/info/100001/counselling
The University also runs activities for students staying in Leeds over the Winter break and outside of term time.

Outreach and contextual admissions

For estranged students who have received an undergraduate offer to study at the University of Leeds, they can now apply to have up to £100 of their travel reimbursed for attendance at an Offer Holder Day: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-offer/doc/travel-bursary
Estrangement is a criterion for eligibility to the Access to Leeds scheme: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/access-to-leeds
Those who complete the Access to Leeds programme (an online module developing both study skills and subject skills) and receive an offer of a place on their chosen course of study will be eligible for an Access to Leeds offer, typically two grades below the standard entry requirement for the course. The university also work in partnership with other contextual outreach and admissions schemes such as Reach for Excellence, all of which include estrangement as one of their criteria for access.
Our Outreach teams recognise the circumstances of estranged young people and communicate the support available to both potential students and their teachers. The Communities and Partnership Outreach team within the Lifelong Learning Centre also undertake outreach activities with a wide range of external organisations including hostels and homeless charities, which offers further means of reaching those living without the support of their families.

Employment support

The Plus Programme provide estranged students with priority access to the upReach programme. This includes one to one support, access to exclusive opportunities and events, and links to employer partners. As a target group of students, our Careers Service also provide priority careers support.
The University of Leeds are aware of the additional pressure on care experienced students to secure further study or employment upon graduation. For this reason, we have introduced the ‘Find your Future’ package in collaboration with our Careers Service, which is available for all care experienced students in their penultimate and final years of study. This scheme offers additional employability support for estranged students in their penultimate and final years of study. This scheme offers specialised group coaching, CV application and mock interview support, a drop-in offering at the Connections Hub run by the Employability and Progression Assistants and themed sessions on different topics related to employability. Students are also given priority access to our 30 minute mentoring scheme, giving students the opportunity to meet with an alum working in an industry they’re interested in, to help them ascertain their future careers goals.
Estranged students are also a priority group in relation for the Leeds Masters Scholarship, offering £7,000 per year to support Masters level study.

Dedicated website

https://students.leeds.ac.uk/info/1000014/plus_programme/1129/estranged_students_no_parental_support

Graduation cost support

The University offer up to £100 to support with costs relating to graduation photos and gowns. In 2023/24 the university were also able to offer graduation payments of £500 to students to cover some of the additional costs associated with completing university and transitioning into the workplace/further study.

Experiences on campus

Estranged students have access to year-round Plus Programme events and activities, including personal and professional development workshops, wellbeing events and social activities. In addition, the Plus Programme run specific social activities for estranged students, including free pub lunches and events for estranged student solidarity week.
The Plus Programme offers a wide range of information, activity, support and funding, themed around sense of belonging, financial security, information and advice and increasing confidence and employability.

Staff development

Estranged students are a priority group within the Access and Participation Plan for the University, and alongside the Access and Student Success Strategy, a range of mechanisms exist to communicate with staff about the experiences of widening participation students. This includes a regular Student Success newsletter, where initiatives for estranged students have been promoted, and a regular Student Success Forum where colleagues meet to discuss relevant business. The Plus Programme team are also in regular contact with academic and professional services staff, and meet to discuss the estranged student experience and how colleagues can better support students. Within the Careers Service, there is a Widening Participation team and colleagues have a thorough understanding of estranged students, attending training and facilitating research including into the experiences of students as they graduate.

Support with transition to HE

Students who self-identify as estranged on UCAS, enter the university via a contextual outreach or admissions route such as Access to Leeds or Reach for Excellence, or apply for a means-tested scholarship, are automatically included in the online transition and in-person welcome events run by the Plus Programme team, which are designed to ease students’ transition into a university setting, build initial friendships and networks, develop skills for independent living and learning, and make the most of their Leeds degree from the outset.

Leeds Arts University

Named contact

Anne-Marie Watkinson: anne-marie.watkinson@leeds-art.ac.uk

Financial support

A £3,000 per year bursary paid in three instalments for those assessed as estranged by Student Finance England. Information on the bursary: https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/apply/undergraduate-fees-and-finance

Accommodation support

365-day accommodation is available where required with the University’s contracted accommodation providers.

Wellbeing support

We have a dedicated estranged student support member of staff in the Student Advice & Wellbeing team who will contact the student on point of application, and who can refer to other services across the university. Beyond support from the named contact, we now offer the Hello Café every Wednesday 1-2pm in the first term, which provides an opportunity for students to make friends and orient themselves accompanied by a free lunch and creative activity.

Outreach support

We will support estranged students by providing opportunities to join in our progression and outreach programme and activities. This will enable students to develop their creative skills and confidence. We also offer a bespoke tour to gain an orientation of the university, and advice and support in building an application to higher education.

Employment support

Employment support is offered to all students as part of their course time. Students are also able to access 1:1 appointments and wraparound support with the Careers, Employability & Enterprise team during their time at the University as well as up to 5 years post-graduation.

Find out more: https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/careers-industry

Support with the transition to HE

Specific support is available through the named contact between application and arrival to support transition. Offer of support upon arrival through named contact.

Hello café weekly support in first term for all new entrants, with multiple aims, including engendering a sense of belonging, support with making friends, and signposting to institutional support

Dedicated website

https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/student-support/estranged-students/

Leeds Beckett University

Named contact

Sarah Baker at s.k.baker@leedsbeckett.ac.uk or +44 113812

Finance support

If you can provide evidence that you are irreconcilably estranged from your family, you may be able to apply for a bursary of up to £1,500 from our university and also access our Leeds Beckett Hardship Funds for every year of your course.

Accommodation support

If you are a estranged student and decide to stay in university halls of residence, we will guarantee that you have access to this university accommodation for 365 days a year. Please note that only certain properties that are managed by our university are applicable for 365-day contracts.

Wellbeing support

We will continue to signpost estranged students to the support available through our Wellbeing Service, our Disability Advice Service and to the range of social and cultural events which take place outside regular term time. We will seek feedback from estranged students concerning how effective our services are to meet their specific needs going forward.

Outreach support

We pledge to raise greater awareness among college tutors and advisers of the support we provide.

Dedicated website

https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/student-wellbeing/care-leavers-and-estranged-students/

Employability

Ensure awareness of opportunities for part time work and placements.

Leeds College of Building

Named contact

Jennie Fawcett – 0113 2226002

Finance support

Students will have access to a range of support funds.

Accommodation support

Offers 365-day accommodation.

Wellbeing support

A Pastoral support team is able to offer help with student wellbeing.

Employability

Employability Advisors are available to help students find suitable work placements and assist with finding work.

Leeds Conservatoire

Named contact

Bethany Milner, Student Wellbeing Advisor – Access@leedsconservatoire.ac.uk

Financial support

We provide advice and support to estranged students on how to apply for any available funding and associated benefits. If you would like to talk to our student funding team, please contact studentfunding@leedsconservatoire.ac.uk
You can also visit our Fees and Funding page for more information: https://www.leedsconservatoire.ac.uk/student-life/student-support/fees-and-funding/

Accommodation support

An accommodation start-up grant worth £150 for essential items, is available to applicants starting their course in September 2024, who have been receiving benefits, are care leavers, or are estranged from their family.

To find out more, please visit our Scholarships & Bursaries page: https://www.leedsconservatoire.ac.uk/courses/apply-audition-fees/fees-funding/scholarships-bursaries/

Wellbeing support

Within the Health and Wellbeing Team, we provide a range of free and confidential services to help with any practical, emotional, or mental health conditions that you might be experiencing, which are impacting upon your studies or student life.

If you are a current or prospective student and would like to discuss any specific support needs or concerns about your wellbeing please don’t hesitate to get in touch at healthandwellbeing@leedsconservatoire.ac.uk

Employment support

Our Employability and Enterprise Team offers tailored services to students beyond the curriculum, supporting the development of ideas and encouraging innovative approaches to the foundations of their careers.We also provide a huge range of performance opportunities for students, from our bespoke in-house venues to club nights, festivals and more.

Outreach support

Communicating support available through schools, colleges and website.

Graduation support

We will cover the cost of gown hire at Graduation for our estranged students.

Experiences on campus

If you are interested in having an in-person private campus tour to see our facilities you can complete our campus tour booking form: https://www.leedsconservatoire.ac.uk/visit-us/campus-tours/

Dedicated website

https://www.leedsconservatoire.ac.uk/student-life/student-support/estranged-students/

Support with transition to HE

At Leeds Conservatoire we recognise that students who are estranged from their families may need additional support in lieu of a family network or assistance from their local authority.
You can contact us for support as early as you would like, even before you apply to our conservatoire. We can talk to you about conservatoire life and answer any questions you might have.

Staff development

Training staff so they have knowledge and understanding to support estranged students.

Pledge commitment

Leading up to the closure of Stand Alone charity on 30 April 2024, Leeds Conservatoire re-affirmed our ongoing commitment through signing the Stand Alone Legacy Pledge.

University Centre Leeds

Named contact

Please contact our Admissions Team at admissions@ucleeds.ac.uk.

Financial support

To help support new students who are estranged from their families to start full time HE at UC Leeds we offer the following financial support: Bursary (up to £1000 awarded by UC Leeds); supporting the cost of interview travel and / or on-course materials (where applicable, up to 50% costs).

We will also provide advice to estranged students on what funding and associated benefits are available to them and support with applying for them.

Accommodation support

We will work to develop links with accommodation providers who will be flexible about the need for a guarantor. We don’t have our own accommodation and only signpost to student accommodation providers .

Wellbeing support

We will provide estranged students: designated support from the HE Counselling and Mental Health Officer and . or student counsellor; nominated support from the UC Leeds HE Welfare and Student Engagement Officer and / or a named contact from within the safeguarding team; buddying and / or mentoring schemes.

Outreach support

To help estranged students make informed decisions about their future, higher education and degree choices, and their HE application, we can offer: personalised tours; 1:1 application support; contextual admissions.

Graduation support

Students can request support for gown hire, photographs and travel costs.

Dedicated website

https://www.ucleeds.ac.uk/estranged-students/

Staff development

There will be continued dissemination to, and training of, appropriate staff working with estranged students, so that they have the knowledge and understanding to support and provide guidance.

Employment support

There is opportunity to discuss part-time work and graduate employment with the named contact who can refer students to the Careers Team.

Support with the transition to HE

Once a student applies with us, our named contact will be in touch to explain the support package available, offer an in-person meeting and tour of the campus.

Application support

We can assist potential applicants with the process and provide information regarding the support package to schools, colleges and the community

Rent guarantor

University Centre Leeds can act as a guarantor for your student accommodation agreements.

Leeds Trinity University

Named Contact

Applicants can contact Anjali Kataria (a.kataria@leedstrinity.ac.uk) for support with applying to Higher Education and help with the transition, including personal statements, UCAS applications, campus tours and meeting academic and support staff.

Students in receipt of our Estranged Students Bursary are allocated a named contact within our Student Support Team upon registration. The Student Support Team can be contacted on studentsupport@leedstrinity.ac.uk

We provide applicants and students with bespoke advice and support with the student finance process, our Estranged Students Bursary application and planning their budget for university from our Money Advice Team, who can be contacted on moneyadvice@leedstrinity.ac.uk

Finance Support

The Leeds Trinity Estranged Students Bursary provides eligible students with £1,000 financial support every year of their undergraduate course and a welcome voucher (up to £50) for university essentials. Undergraduate and Foundation Finance for UK Students – Leeds Trinity University

Estranged students are a priority group for the University Hardship Fund.

Accommodation Support

Estranged students are offered 365 day accommodation in our university owned halls of residence. Support is available with house hunting. Estranged applicants struggling to secure the deposit for Leeds Trinity Halls of Residence can chat to our Money Advice Team about support available (moneyadvice@leedstrinity.ac.uk)

Wellbeing Support

Whether a student is noticing past distress returning, or experiencing emotional difficulties for the first time, our team of qualified and experienced Counsellors, Cognitive Behavioural Therapists and Wellbeing practitioners can provide them with the support and space they need to explore and understand their difficulties – no matter how big or small they are Mental health and wellbeing – Leeds Trinity University

Outreach support

We aim to raise awareness among our schools and colleges contacts of the support we provide to estranged students and applicants. Our Schools and Colleges Engagement Team and the Office for Institutional Equity do a lot of activity with children and young people who are care experienced / estranged to help raise their aspirations of entering Higher Education.

Employability / Employment support

From day one, our Careers and Placements team will offer students a variety of services to help them become as employable as possible by the time they graduate.

Guiding them through the professional work placements they’ll complete as part of their degree, the team will help students plan their career, work with them on their job search and advise them on future study options.

Whether students start university with a clear idea of their career path, or they discover their next steps during their degree, our Career Passport is designed to help them record and showcase the employability skills developed throughout their time with us – providing them with a bank of evidence to use for job applications and interviews. Careers and employability – Leeds Trinity University

Graduation Cost support

Estranged Students may be eligible for free / reduced graduation gown hire.

University Centre Wakefield

Named contact

Carol McArthur, Safeguarding, C.McArthur@wakefield.ac.uk

Finance support

There is a possibility of additional financial support, this is assessed on a case to case basis.

For more information on any funding or money matter issues please contact the College’s Financial Support Team at student.finance@wakefield.ac.uk.

Wellbeing support

The Student Wellbeing Officers are here to help you if you feel overwhelmed either at College or by problems at home or you just need some support, whatever the reason, our Student Wellbeing Officers are here for you.

Our team work closely with students and other services both in College and outside of College.

This team support students for a wide range of needs, including confidence, low mood, managing emotions, healthy relationships, homelessness, bullying, problems at home and more. The team support via 1:1s, small groups, corridor chats and a variety of other drop-in opportunities, such as Wellbeing Wednesday, time to talk cafés, C-Card registrations and more.

Speak to the team in Student Central or get in touch StudentCentral@wakefield.ac.uk

Graduation cost support

There is a possibility of additional financial support, this is assessed on a case to case basis.

Case Studies

Hear estranged students tell their stories about how they transitioned into higher education students, and their experiences once they got there.

Find out more about Case Studies