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Welcome to April'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.

April marks both Care Experienced History Month and Stress Awareness Month. We are running a social media campaign in support of the former, with details provided below. To coincide with the latter we also present a selection of resources to support better mental health.

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 get in touch with Susan Darlington.
 
News
 
 
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Twitter campaign to mark Care Experienced History Month
We are running a Twitter campaign throughout April in support of Care Experienced History Month.

We will provide insights into inspirational people of historical significance who have care experience, starting with John Lennon's time in kinship care.

The campaign will celebrate the success of those involved while raising awareness of their less widely recognised background.

Read more.
 
 

UCAS tick box for estranged students 

The new UCAS application cycle, which will start in May, will for the first time give HE applicants the opportunity to indicate they are estranged.

UCAS is in the process of adding the final details to its new pages.

It has already extended the FAQ section on its website to include estranged students and the Going It Alone pages provide a variety of information to applicants and their teachers/staff supporting them with their application. 

Read more.

 
Upcoming higher education events
 
 
Parents and carers university information sessionWhen: Wednesday, 11 May at 6pmWhere: Online
Who: University Centre Leeds

This session will provide information to help parents and carers support their young person to make decisions about university, including student finance and support.

It will include a Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Further information and register for a place.

 
 
Apprenticeships open dayWhen: Monday, 30 May between 1-6pmWhere: Bradford City Football Stadium
Valley Parade
Who: Bradford CollegeSpeak to the College's team to find out more information about apprenticeships and the opportunities that are available.

There will also be employers from different sectors attending who are looking to recruit an apprentice.

Further information and register for a place.
 
 
 
Spotlight on University of Leeds
 
 
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The Plus Programme

An on-course support programme that all care experienced students - including those who have been in kinship care - are invited to join and can access right up until they graduate.

Read more.

 
 

Dedicated care leaver contact 

We have a dedicated contact for prospective and current care experienced students. They can support them with information, signposting, student finance forms, accommodation and more.

Read more.

 
 
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Clubs and Societies Membership Fund

This exists to help Plus Programme students access the full range of Clubs and Societies at Leeds University Union. As long as they meet the eligibility criteria, students will have membership fees partly reimbursed.

Read more.

 
 

Virtual campus tour

Enjoy 360 degree virtual tours of a range of campus buildings, leisure facilities and accommodation. A number of videos are also available.

Read more.

 
Latest HE sector updates 
 
 
UK graduate jobs outnumbered graduates by 1m in 2020, study shows

A new report from Universities UK says the UK has nearly a million graduate-level jobs without qualified staff filling them. It predicts the labour market's appetite for graduates will remain strong in the near future.

The report rebuts misconceptions about graduate employment, such as that undergraduate degrees can be poor value.

Read more.
 
 
GMI Construction Group commits to support care leavers

GMI Construction Group has signed up to the Care Leaver Friendly Employer Charter, which was launched to reduce the number of young care leavers not in education, employment, or training.

One of the largest independent construction groups in the North of England and the Midlands, it will deliver a range of support, including work experience placements and skills workshops.

Read more.
 
Focus on mental health resources
 
 
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Wellbeing in education animations

A series of GHWY produced animations that show the daily life of four young people and tips to support their wellbeing in education.

View animations.
 
 
How to experience more peace, confidence and resilience for more of the time

A video that gives three practical tools that students can use to help themselves build their awareness muscle.Read more.

 
 
WF-I Can

An online resource to find information and advice as well as self-help tips that can increase your confidence and resilience. 

Read more.
 
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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
 

 
 
This message was sent to S.Darlington@leeds.ac.uk.
 
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