National Care Leavers’ Week is about highlighting the needs of care leavers, and encouraging the agencies responsible for looking after them to work in a coordinated and effective way.
Established in 2002 by independent charity the Care Leavers’ Foundation, National Care Leavers’ Week brings together major charities and interest groups working with care leavers. Participants and leaders in the week’s events over the years have included A National Voice, The Care Leavers’ Association, Catch 22 National Care Advisory Service, Voices from Care, Voice, The Prince’s Trust, Barnardo’s and many more.
Find out more about National Care Leavers’ Week here.
What support does Sheffield Hallam University offer students who are care leavers?
Sheffield Hallam University supports students from a care background from before application stage right through to graduation.
You’ll find information on our website www.shu.ac.uk/services/sls/support/careleavers/ about the support that students who are care leavers can receive, including:
o The Compact Scheme which all applicants who are care leavers can be nominated for (even if the student also applies to another university as well).
o Applying for the UNITE Bursary (limited number of bursaries available)
o Year-round accommodation. Students who disclose that they are care leavers will be eligible for accommodation through the vacation periods. Contact our accommodation office for further details on 0114 225 4503.
Named staff in the Student Advice and Information team provide an initial point of contact for students who are care leavers. Students can:
o Meet in a confidential and impartial setting for advice on university life e.g. if they feel they’re on the wrong course, having problems with house-mates, etc.
o Have support accessing a range of specialist support services e.g. Student Wellbeing, Careers and Employment.
o Expect to receive updates at key points throughout the year, e.g. just before the Christmas break with information about activities taking place.
o Email the named contacts directly if they wish to ask a question or find out some information about university processes or student life.
If you are interested in finding out more about the support available to students who are care leavers, or issues that may affect students coming to university from a care background, please email guidance@shu.ac.uk FAO Ruby or Helen.