GHWY Beyond Care Network No.6: Stand Alone pledge launched

Welcome to November's edition of Go Higher West Yorkshire's Care to Go Higher Newsletter. We aim to connect those working with care experienced young people across the region to Higher Education (HE) through regular monthly news, events and updates.

In this issue we launch our Stand Alone pledge for estranged students. We are proud that this is the very first collaborative pledge of its kind in the country. In recognition of Estranged Students' Solidarity Week, which will run 22-26 November, we also focus on resources for those studying without the support of their family.

There will be no issue in December due to the festive break but we'll be back in the New Year.

As always, we're looking for news stories, resources or upcoming events to promote. If you have anything to share from your institution then please g et in touch .

News

GHWY launches Stand Alone pledge for estranged students

GHWY is proud to announce the launch of a collaborative Stand Alone pledge, which is aimed at students studying without family support.

The document raises awareness about what support is available for estranged young people across our 13 member institutions. This includes whether they have named contacts, dedicated web-pages, and additional financial support.

Read more.

QUEST Team offers additional support to care leavers at Bradford College

The QUEST Team is a new student-friendly service that supports people to access Higher Education opportunities within Bradford College.

It specifically targets students outlined in its Access and Participation Plan, including care leavers and estranged young people. Support includes bespoke campus visits, additional financial support, and application support.

Read more.

New apprenticeship guide for care experienced young people

Amazing Apprenticeships has launched a new guide for care experienced young people.

The free document contains information about apprenticeship delivery, the level of qualifications available, how to look for an apprenticeship opportunity, careers support, points of contact, and links to external resources.

Read more.

LEP careers website

The FutureGoals website, delivered by the Leeds City Enterprise Partnership, makes it easier to access careers information, resources, support, and guidance for all ages.

It contains information about free adult training courses and career support, including job applications and CV help.

Read more.

Job vacancy

Care to Go Higher Delivery Officer

GHWY is currently recruiting a new Care to Go Higher Delivery Officer, who will be responsible for organising and delivering events and activities.

The successful candidate must be a confident public speaker and have a good understanding of the care experience.

We would be grateful if you could circulate information about the vacancy to any relevant colleagues and networks.

Read more about the role.

Upcoming higher education events

20 November - Undergraduate Open Day and campus visit, University of Bradford
20 November - Open Day, Calderdale College
20 November - Campus tour, Leeds Arts University
20 November - Open Day, Leeds Beckett University
20 November - Open event, Leeds College of Building
24 November - Campus tour, University of Leeds

24 November - Postgraduate Open Day, Leeds Beckett University
24 November - Open event, Leeds City College
27 November - Online Open Day, Leeds Arts University
4 December - Online Open Day (music and performing arts), Leeds Conservatoire
4 December - Open Day, Leeds Trinity University

Spotlight on University of Huddersfield

Support offered at the University

As a care leaver you may have concerns about studying at university, both on a personal and financial level. We can offer you support throughout your academic journey.

We have dedicated support for you from pre-entry to graduation. Our dedicated support co-ordinator Rebecca Hayes can be contacted on careleavers@hud.ac.uk

More information can be found at Care leavers - University of Huddersfield.

Supporting students through your journey

At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find services and support networks to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you navigate through your personal student journey.

More information can be found at Supporting you through your journey - University of Huddersfield

Care leaver stories

Read about some of the care leaver students who have been at the University and discover their stories.

Read more.

Virtual campus tour

To find out more about our campus, watch our guided tour which is narrated by our students.

Read more.

Latest HE sector updates

BTec cull could deter working-class students from nursing, universities fear

Vice-chancellors have warned that professions struggling with staff shortages may suffer if BTec funding is withdrawn. They fear the Government's planned cull of technical qualifications could prevent thousands of working-class students going to university to train to be nurses or work in health and social care.

Read more.

How one care leaver could help transform the lives of thousands of others

A new comparison site has been launched that details the level of support every council in the country offers young people leaving the care system and how it differs depending on where you live.

Read more.

Focus on "estranged student" resources

Festive guide

The festive period can be challenging for young people who have become estranged from their family. Stand Alone has produced a guide that is intended to help them with some of the most common festive frustrations.

Read more.

Student finance guide

Going to university as an independent student can be an intimidating process. Stand Alone has produced a guide that gives information about how Student Finance applications are assessed as an estranged student.

Read more.

Support for estranged students in HE

UCAS has compiled a range of resources to help estranged young people who are considering applying to university. It includes information about wellbeing and accommodation.

Read more.

Standing items

View the GHWY Care Leaver Covenant

All 13 HE partners have signed up to the GHWY Care Leaver Covenant, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to this group.

View the Covenant

Download our resource pack here

GHWY has created a resource pack on higher education that is available for those working with children in care.

Register for the pack

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Click here to see our Care Leaver work and previous articles