University hosts drop-in session for Estranged Students

Wed 25 November, 2020

As part of National Estranged Students Solidarity Week, the University of Bedfordshire is aiming to spread awareness of estrangement and highlight how its staff can support students who have no home-based support whilst studying.

Stand Alone Pledge A joint campaign by Stand Alone Pledge and NUS, National Estranged Students Solidarity Week (23^rd – 27^th November 2020) is now in its fourth year and is a way for universities, colleges, student unions and associations to drum up awareness and reach out to those who are studying without family support. Overall it aims to help raise the level of public awareness that not every student has parents to fall back on and not every student will be going home for Christmas.

On Thursday 26^th November, the University’s Access & Outreach team is running a joint drop-in session with Student Support, Beds SU, Student Money and Admissions to let students know about the support available for estranged young people, and how the University can help them during the course of their Higher Education journey.

Lucy Felton, Student Engagement Advisor with Bedfordshire’s Student Support, said:

Estranged Students Solidarity Week takes place annually across the UK. It is an opportunity for education providers including universities to raise awareness about family estrangement or students who have little – if any – support at home.

It is also a chance to reach out to estranged students who may require help during their studies and offer a platform to support others in similar situations and with shared experiences.

Our campaign this year includes a focus on ‘allyship’ – where students who aren’t estranged can learn more about estrangement, the barriers they could face and educate themselves to best support their peers who are.

The Access & Outreach team will also be sharing relevant advice and useful tips for estranged students on the @BedsATeam twitter feed.

The virtual drop-in event on 26^th November will take place between 2-4pm via Zoom and is open to any new or current estranged students at the University of Bedfordshire. As well as outlining the available support, staff will highlight how the students can provide vital feedback to help shape and develop the University’s support platform for estranged students in the future.

Beds SU Useful links and information can be found on the Beds SU events page, alongside details of how to join the drop-in session on 26^th November: www.bedssu.co.uk/events/estranged-students-solidarity-week