Estranged
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Stand Alone Pledge
The 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.
This year’s document has been updated to include a number of new features that are designed to make it even more informative and user friendly. This follows input from our members, as we seek to continually improve estranged students’ access to information on their entitlement to support in HE.
This year we have revised the support categories that our members offer to estranged students, with new check-boxes for support with graduation costs and whether the HE provider acts as a rent guarantor.
In addition, the document now includes a glossary of HE terms, quotes from estranged young people, and a refreshed list of top tips to help individuals on their HE journey. The design has also been overhauled to make it clearer and even more accessible.View Resources
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Stand Alone Pledge 2022
pdf (1.35 MB)
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Support offered
Leeds Arts University
Individual institution pledge status
https://www.thestandalonepledge.org.uk/champion-institutions/21-north-east/153-leeds-arts-university
Named contact
Anne-Marie Watkinson
anne-marie.watkinson@leeds-art.ac.uk
Finance support
We provide advice on applying to higher education as an estranged student to Student Finance England and support throughout the process. We help students apply to our Leeds Arts University Estranged Student Bursary and further financial support available at the university.
Accommodation support
We provide advice and support in negotiating 365-day access to accommodation with student accommodation providers.
Wellbeing support
We have a dedicated estranged student support member of staff in the Student Welfare Team who will contact the student on point of application, and who can refer to other services across the university. We also offer the opportunity to meet with a current student as part of the Buddy Scheme from the outset of study.
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, advice and support in building an application to higher education and the opportunity to rehearse an Arts focused interview with tutorial feedback and support.
Dedicated website
https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/student-support/estranged-students/
University Centre Leeds
Individual institution pledge status
https://www.thestandalonepledge.org.uk/champion-institutions/21-north-east/144-leeds-city-college
Named contact
Please contact our Admissions Team at admissions@ucleeds.ac.uk.
Finance 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); Supporting the cost of graduation gown hire and photographs (up to 50% of 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
We support with the cost of graduation gown hire and photographs (up to 50% of costs).
Dedicated website
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.
Rent guarantor
University Centre Leeds can act as a guarantor for your student accommodation agreements.
University of Leeds
Individual institution pledge status
https://www.thestandalonepledge.org.uk/champion-institutions/21-north-east/63-university-of-leeds
Named contact
Lisa Firth – estrangedstudents@leeds.ac.uk.
Finance support
Estranged students are eligible for Leeds Financial Support (cash bursary, or discount on fees or university accommodation). They are a target group for scholarships (currently up to £2000 a year for three years) and are actively encouraged to apply, receiving weighted scores in the selection criteria. They can also apply to the Access to Learning Fund, which is being reviewed to ensure all estranged students are eligible to apply for support for the summer vacation.
Accommodation support
For eligible estranged students the University can offer:
- a guaranteed place in University-owned accommodation
- the offer of 365-day accommodation
a waiver of the upfront security deposit for University-owned accommodation (meaning that you will only pay the deposit when you receive your student loan payment) - a free kitchen utensils and bedding pack for students in University-owned or partner owned accommodation starting their first year
Wellbeing support
The Student Counselling and Wellbeing Service 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, as well as access a range of workshops and self-help resources. The University also runs activities for students staying in Leeds over Christmas and outside of term time, including estranged students. The Leeds University Union are facilitating the development of a student-led support network for estranged students.
Outreach support
Estrangement is a criterion for eligibility to the Access to Leeds scheme. Outreach resources are being reviewed to recognise the circumstances of estranged young people and communicate the support available to potential students and their teachers. During their course, estranged students are eligible for the Plus Programme, which provides ongoing support via academic workshops, skills development opportunities, peer mentoring, social activities and assistance with accessing support services. A dedicated webpage is being developed to communicate the range of support available to students, while briefings and internal media will aim to improve staff awareness.
Dedicated website
https://students.leeds.ac.uk/info/1000014/plus_programme/1129/estranged_students_no_parental_support
Staff development
Briefings and internal media will aim to improve staff awareness.
Leeds Beckett University
Individual institution pledge status
Named contact
Sam Wainwright – cle@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
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
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
Individual institution pledge status
Named contact
Bethany Milner, Student Wellbeing Advisor – healthandwellbeing@leedsconservatoire.ac.uk
Finance support
We provide advice and support to estranged students on how to apply for any available funding and associated benefits. Contact studentfunding@lcm.ac.uk
Accommodation support
A waiver of the upfront security deposit for University-owned accommodation (meaning that you will only pay the deposit when you receive your student loan payment). Estranged students can apply for an accommodation start-up voucher, meaning you can buy all the essentials you need to live independently while you study.
Wellbeing support
Fortnightly mentoring support with member of wellbeing team.
Outreach support
Communicating support available through schools, colleges and website.
Graduation support
We cover cost of gown hire and photos for graduation (available on a case-by-case, by year-by-year basis),
Dedicated website
https://www.leedsconservatoire.ac.uk/student-life/student-support/estranged-students/
Staff development
Training staff so they have knowledge and understanding to support estranged students
Leeds Trinity University
Accommodation support
A free kitchen utensils and bedding pack for students in University-owned or partner owned accommodation starting their first year
Calderdale College
Finance support
For advice on financial support that may be available please contact adviceguidance@caderdale.ac.uk
Kirklees College
Individual institution pledge status
https://www.thestandalonepledge.org.uk/champion-institutions/21-north-east/275-kirklees-college
Finance support
We will assess each case to ensure the necessary financial support is offered wherever possible, including hardship funds and vulnerable bursary.
Wellbeing support
We signpost estranged students to internal and external support pathways for mental health issues, including counselling, 1:1 meetings, chaplaincy listening services and pastoral support.
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.
Rent guarantor
Bradford College
Individual institution pledge status
https://www.thestandalonepledge.org.uk/champion-institutions/21-north-east/114-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
University of Bradford
Individual institution pledge status
https://www.thestandalonepledge.org.uk/champion-institutions/21-north-east/70-university-of-bradford
Named contact
R.Bradbury@bradfordcollege.ac.uk
Finance support
In 2020-21 academic year we have launched a £1000 Estranged Student Bursary which will be open to all estranged students. Estranged students are a priority applicant for the University hardship fund, including for the summer vacation period. We offer financial support with guarantor fees for private accommodation as well as assistance for applying to Student Finance England as an estranged student.
Accommodation support
We support estranged students to find suitable accommodation for the full 52-week calendar. We provide financial assistance for accommodation with support for guarantor fees for private accommodation.
Wellbeing support
Estranged students have access to the University’s Counselling Service which is open all year round and offers a confidential space for estranged students to talk about emotional and mental wellbeing issues. We enhance the support available by having service champions for Estranged Students, who are focused on the unique challenges Estranged Students face, and work to ensure that services meet these needs. The University also has dedicated pastoral support for estranged students in the Student Life service.
Outreach support
Dedicated pre-enrolment point of contact for estranged students for support and guidance with all aspects of the application and enrolment process. The University hosts dedicated events for estranged students to find out more about studying in higher education and the support available at the University of Bradford. In addition, we are currently building on our Student Ambassador role by recruiting current students to provide dedicated support to estranged students specifically.
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.
Employability
Our Career and Employability Services offer a welcoming, supportive environment where you 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.
University of Huddersfield
Individual institution pledge status
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 Rebecca Hayes – 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.
Wakefield College
Named contact
Carol McArthur, Safeguarding, C.McArthur@wakefield.ac.uk
Finance support
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
Case Studies
Hear estranged students tell their stories about how they transitioned into higher education students, and their experiences once they got there.
Useful Links
Stand Alone Pleedge
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