When a student says that they are estranged or a Care Leaver

What should you be aware of?

Students who are estranged:

Some students become or are estranged from their family or key family members either through choice or alienation. Estranged young people are often from backgrounds of abuse or have substantially different ambitions, values and beliefs to their family of origin. Despite being forcefully resilient internally, these students drop out of HE at a rate that is three times higher than the average student. Stand Alone’s research shows that many estranged students struggle to complete their course because of pressure and stress, most often around finance and accommodation. (See Key Contacts on p76)

What should you do?

Students who are experiencing financial difficulties:

For funding purposes, proving estrangement can often be difficult and emotionally challenging. If a student is experiencing financial, practical or legal difficulties they can contact the Student Welfare Advice Team (SWAT). SWAT provides professional and confidential guidance on the following range of issues: student loans, grants and bursaries, fee assessment queries, debt and money management, childcare costs, housing issues and welfare benefits.

They also ensure that students are accessing any welfare benefits or extra funding that they are eligible for. This is particularly important for students who are Care Leavers or are estranged from their family.

SWAT contact details:

Call 020 8411 3008
Email: welfare@mdx.ac.uk
Welfare Advice Guides: http://unihub.mdx.ac.uk/support/fees-payments-funding/welfare-advice-guides

Daily appointments can made via http://unihub.mdx.ac.uk/support/make-an-appointment

Additional support available:

Peer Support: the University has set up a peer support group. The group is led by the students and includes tailored workshops and social events. Please refer the students to Student Welfare and the main Facebook page.

Accommodation: estranged students and Care Leavers are made a priority for University accommodation and are offered year-round contracts. We can also help with the deposit.

Financial support: the University’s Student Support Fund prioritises these students and can make an emergency payment in certain circumstances.

Named University contact – Jude Cringle:
Telephone: 020 8411 6482
Email: j.cringle@mdx.ac.uk

Further information: https://unihub.mdx.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/156075/Care-Leavers.pdf

What happens next?

The student will receive relevant advice and support relating to their individual needs. SWAT will also liaise with other departments and external organisations to advocate on behalf of students in the course of seeking support where possible.

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