Supporting Estranged Students into and through HE 20 June 2017 Stand Alone provides support through Advice and guidance Raising awareness Two stands of work: The first strand of Stand Alone’s work: peer support groups for adults who are estranged from a key family member. These groups take place in Sheffield, Newcastle and London. Have been running for a couple of years. They are therapeutic support groups facilitated by a qualified counsellor. They are not therapy and do not replace therapy. Funded by the National Lottery. Second is the HE project. Started January 2016 Funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation for 3 years until end of 2018.

Supporting people who are estranged from their families Stand Alone provides support through Advice and guidance Raising awareness Two stands of work: The first strand of Stand Alone’s work: peer support groups for adults who are estranged from a key family member. These groups take place in Sheffield, Newcastle and London. Have been running for a couple of years. They are therapeutic support groups facilitated by a qualified counsellor. They are not therapy and do not replace therapy. Funded by the National Lottery. Second is the HE project. Started January 2016 Funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation for 3 years until end of 2018. Supporting people who are estranged from their families

Higher Education Project Research http://standalone.org.uk/reports/ Guides http://standalone.org.uk/guides/ Working with sector organisations: UCAS, SAAS, SFC, SPA The Stand Alone Pledge Training conferences NUS Student Union Solidarity Campaign Student Peer Support Groups HE project funded for 3 years 2016 - 18 Research to understand more about estrangement and how it affects young people 18-24 and students in higher education Guides to help students and staff especially around applying for student funding Training to upskill staff in HEIs to reach and support estranged students

1 in 5 UK families are touched by family estrangement and its consequences. Family estrangement affects people of all ages and stages of life (and backgrounds). Ipsos Mori survey 2014 for Stand Alone: The Prevalence of Family Estrangement HE project funded for 3 years 2016 - 18 Research to understand more about estrangement and how it affects young people 18-24 and students in higher education Guides to help students and staff especially around applying for student funding Training to upskill staff in HEIs to reach and support estranged students

Reasons for family breakdown among HE students What are the reasons for family breakdown? From: Hidden Voices: Family Estrangement in Students (Stand Alone, 2016)

Stigmatisation From: Hidden Voices: Family Estrangement in Students (Stand Alone, 2016) What are the reasons for family breakdown?

Stand Alone provides support through Advice and guidance Raising awareness Two stands of work: The first strand of Stand Alone’s work: peer support groups for adults who are estranged from a key family member. These groups take place in Sheffield, Newcastle and London. Have been running for a couple of years. They are therapeutic support groups facilitated by a qualified counsellor. They are not therapy and do not replace therapy. Funded by the National Lottery. Second is the HE project. Started January 2016 Funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation for 3 years until end of 2018.

How many estranged students are studying in the UK? b) 10,000 c) 1500 Stand Alone provides support through Advice and guidance Raising awareness Two stands of work: The first strand of Stand Alone’s work: peer support groups for adults who are estranged from a key family member. These groups take place in Sheffield, Newcastle and London. Have been running for a couple of years. They are therapeutic support groups facilitated by a qualified counsellor. They are not therapy and do not replace therapy. Funded by the National Lottery. Second is the HE project. Started January 2016 Funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation for 3 years until end of 2018.

Social Service Involvement Statutory Care Leavers Estranged students in HE ? ‘Estranged’ independent status recognised by Student Finance Care experienced Social Service Involvement Statutory Care Leavers HE project funded for 3 years 2016 - 18 Research to understand more about estrangement and how it affects young people 18-24 and students in higher education Guides to help students and staff especially around applying for student funding Training to upskill staff in HEIs to reach and support estranged students The group in blue are the approx. 10,000 recognised by SFE/SFW and SAAS as ‘independent’ and ‘estranged’ (AY 14-15)

Local Authority Care

What is the biggest reported issue for estranged students? a) loneliness b) financial pressures c) finding work  Stand Alone provides support through Advice and guidance Raising awareness Two stands of work: The first strand of Stand Alone’s work: peer support groups for adults who are estranged from a key family member. These groups take place in Sheffield, Newcastle and London. Have been running for a couple of years. They are therapeutic support groups facilitated by a qualified counsellor. They are not therapy and do not replace therapy. Funded by the National Lottery. Second is the HE project. Started January 2016 Funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation for 3 years until end of 2018.

At what age are students most likely to become estranged?   a) 16-19 b) 13-15 c) 21+ Stand Alone provides support through Advice and guidance Raising awareness Two stands of work: The first strand of Stand Alone’s work: peer support groups for adults who are estranged from a key family member. These groups take place in Sheffield, Newcastle and London. Have been running for a couple of years. They are therapeutic support groups facilitated by a qualified counsellor. They are not therapy and do not replace therapy. Funded by the National Lottery. Second is the HE project. Started January 2016 Funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation for 3 years until end of 2018.

Age From: Access and Retention (Stand Alone, 2015) When do young people become estranged? 74% during school – important for outreach work From: Access and Retention (Stand Alone, 2015)

On average, how many estranged students have been affected by homeless before or during their study?   a) 15% b) 33% c) 65% Stand Alone provides support through Advice and guidance Raising awareness Two stands of work: The first strand of Stand Alone’s work: peer support groups for adults who are estranged from a key family member. These groups take place in Sheffield, Newcastle and London. Have been running for a couple of years. They are therapeutic support groups facilitated by a qualified counsellor. They are not therapy and do not replace therapy. Funded by the National Lottery. Second is the HE project. Started January 2016 Funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation for 3 years until end of 2018.

Homelessness From: Access and Retention (Stand Alone, 2015) Other key issues: finance and mental health/wellbeing From: Access and Retention (Stand Alone, 2015)

a) 5 times higher than the average b) 2 times lower than the average How likely is it that an estranged student will drop out of university before they graduate?   a) 5 times higher than the average b) 2 times lower than the average c) 3 times higher than the average  Stand Alone provides support through Advice and guidance Raising awareness Two stands of work: The first strand of Stand Alone’s work: peer support groups for adults who are estranged from a key family member. These groups take place in Sheffield, Newcastle and London. Have been running for a couple of years. They are therapeutic support groups facilitated by a qualified counsellor. They are not therapy and do not replace therapy. Funded by the National Lottery. Second is the HE project. Started January 2016 Funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation for 3 years until end of 2018.

On average, how many estranged students consider deferring or withdrawing from their course?   a) 41% b) 73% c) 20% Stand Alone provides support through Advice and guidance Raising awareness Two stands of work: The first strand of Stand Alone’s work: peer support groups for adults who are estranged from a key family member. These groups take place in Sheffield, Newcastle and London. Have been running for a couple of years. They are therapeutic support groups facilitated by a qualified counsellor. They are not therapy and do not replace therapy. Funded by the National Lottery. Second is the HE project. Started January 2016 Funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation for 3 years until end of 2018.

Retention From: Access and Retention (Stand Alone, 2015)

b) they do not know about services available What is the most common reason as to why students do not access financial support from their university? a) they do not disclose their situation b) they do not know about services available c) they do not feel they need services available Stand Alone provides support through Advice and guidance Raising awareness Two stands of work: The first strand of Stand Alone’s work: peer support groups for adults who are estranged from a key family member. These groups take place in Sheffield, Newcastle and London. Have been running for a couple of years. They are therapeutic support groups facilitated by a qualified counsellor. They are not therapy and do not replace therapy. Funded by the National Lottery. Second is the HE project. Started January 2016 Funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation for 3 years until end of 2018.

Stand Alone provides support through Advice and guidance www.thestandalonepledge.org.uk Stand Alone provides support through Advice and guidance Raising awareness Two stands of work: The first strand of Stand Alone’s work: peer support groups for adults who are estranged from a key family member. These groups take place in Sheffield, Newcastle and London. Have been running for a couple of years. They are therapeutic support groups facilitated by a qualified counsellor. They are not therapy and do not replace therapy. Funded by the National Lottery. Second is the HE project. Started January 2016 Funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation for 3 years until end of 2018.

The Commitment Your VC, Pro VC or Principal to write a short public letter of commitment to Stand Alone. Your VC, Pro VC or Principal to meet with a group of estranged students. The institution establishes a named contact for estranged students - if you don’t already have one. The institution identifies the support for estranged students already in place across the four areas of the pledge and how it wants to develop its offer of support. Finance Accommodation, Mental health & wellbeing and Outreach & transition The institution will develop processes to identify students and monitor their progress. The institution develops joined up communication across departments. The institution ensures staff and students across departments and faculties are aware of the support available to estranged students. The institution commits to staff development around awareness of the barriers estranged students face. HE project funded for 3 years 2016 - 18 Research to understand more about estrangement and how it affects young people 18-24 and students in higher education Guides to help students and staff especially around applying for student funding Training to upskill staff in HEIs to reach and support estranged students

Student Union Solidarity Campaign Launching 5 July at the SU Conference in Birmingham Joint campaign with NUS To be run autumn term 2017 Student Union Solidarity Campaign HE project funded for 3 years 2016 - 18 Research to understand more about estrangement and how it affects young people 18-24 and students in higher education Guides to help students and staff especially around applying for student funding Training to upskill staff in HEIs to reach and support estranged students

Grants for Estranged Young People 16 – 20 yrs Buttle UK Grants for Estranged Young People 16 – 20 yrs http://www.buttleuk.org/areas-of-focus

www. standalone. org. uk www. thestandalonepledge. org www.standalone.org.uk www.thestandalonepledge.org.uk Susan Mueller: s.mueller@standalone.org.uk

Support for Estranged Students at the University of Glasgow: Named point of contact Adjusted offer of entry 365 accommodation guarantee Dedicated bursaries Dedicated webpage & printed materials Opportunity for students to self-identify at registration Staff training (Advisors of Study, Admissions, Accommodation, Financial Aid, Counselling, etc.) Increased promotion of provision in place for estranged students Dr Dan Keenan daniel.keenan@glasgow.ac.uk 0141 330 4022

How can we work to target & reach this group of students, to make them aware of the support and provision that exists? Where can we establish good links, to signpost the support available? What language should we use in our promotion of the support available? Dr Dan Keenan daniel.keenan@glasgow.ac.uk 0141 330 4022

Where can we establish links to publicise and signpost the support available? Existing partnerships with schools & colleges Local authority departments and third sector charities advising on housing and homelessness (e.g. Shelter) Homelessness hostels and shelters Local counselling organisations Third sector charities working on specific issues (drugs & alcohol, LGBTQI +, Honour Based Violence) Dr Dan Keenan daniel.keenan@glasgow.ac.uk 0141 330 4022

What language should we use in our promotion of the support available? Are you struggling with your family relationships? Are you concerned about how you will support yourself whilst you study? Are you no longer in contact with your parents or family? There is help and support available at our university for you… Are you unsure about how you will secure university accommodation without the support of your family? We can help you… Are you struggling with homelessness? We can help you to achieve your potential… Will you be studying without the help and support of your family? We can help you… Not everybody has a supportive family. If you are studying alone, we can help you… Estranged? No Contact with your family? Disowned? We are here to support you at uni… Dr Dan Keenan daniel.keenan@glasgow.ac.uk 0141 330 4022

Salford University Student Consultation 9 Estranged students met with PVC Dec 16 First opportunity to share their experiences and break the isolation of thinking they were the only one. The meeting had a great effect on the PVC. Outcome: Student Statement addressing the four areas of the Pledge: Before arriving at University “We would like the university to recognise when working with young people in schools and colleges and in other settings that not all young people you are talking to will have supportive families. Your message should be inclusive to those that do not. Information on specialised support available should be easily accessible.” Accommodation “We would like the university to help us find a space that we can call our home so we can concentrate on our studies. This may include vacation accommodation, help with basics to make a home and an understanding of ‘us’ by those who provide the accommodation.” Wellbeing “We do not often talk to people about our stories. Some of us are embarrassed, some have no one to tell, and some of us do not want to be pitied so do not share. Our experiences have made us strong but many of us feel isolated by our estrangement. Our experiences can also have a significant impact on our wellbeing. We would like all staff that deal with us at the University to have the knowledge of different family backgrounds to be able to truly support us.” Money “Money is a constant worry for some of us. A dedicated bursary for us would recognise that we cannot access contributions parents make to other students’ education. We would like the university to make it easier to access university funds or resources (even food) when we desperately need it to get by.”

Manchester Met University Estranged Student Bursary for the summer vacation 2016

http://bit.ly/2iuP4bA Cardiff University Key contact and website Estranged Students Bursary Accommodation Guarantor Dedicated mentor http://bit.ly/2iuP4bA