You Belong Here
The University of Wolverhampton is committed to ensuring that students from all backgrounds can access, participate in and succeed in higher education.
We recognise that students who have experience of care, or who are estranged from their families, may have faced additional challenges before, during and after entering higher education.
You may have developed significant resilience, independence and determination through your experiences. At the same time, you may face unique practical, financial or emotional challenges that other students do not encounter.
Whatever your circumstances, you are a valued member of our University community and support is available.
Who Is This Support For?
This support is available to students who may identify as:
Care Experienced
A care experienced student is someone who has spent time in local authority care at any stage in their life.
This may include:
- Foster care
- Residential care
- Kinship care
- Supported accommodation
- Adoption following a period in care
- Other care arrangements
Everyone's experience of care is different and there is no single "care experienced" journey.
Estranged Students
An estranged student is someone who has little or no contact with their parents or family network, and this situation is unlikely to change.
Family estrangement can occur for many reasons and can be emotionally complex.
You do not need to explain or justify your circumstances to deserve support.
Understanding Your Experiences
Students who are care-experienced or estranged may experience:
- Financial pressures
- Housing concerns
- Loneliness or isolation
- Lack of family support
- Emotional wellbeing challenges
- Difficulties during university holidays
- Concerns about accommodation during vacation periods
- Navigating services independently
- Anxiety about transitioning into adulthood
These challenges are not a reflection of your ability or potential.
Many care-experienced and estranged students go on to achieve remarkable success during and after their studies.
Support Available at the University
The University of Wolverhampton offers dedicated support for care-experienced and estranged students.
Support may include:
- Advice and guidance before and during your studies
- Help accessing financial support
- Accommodation guidance
- Signposting to specialist services
- Wellbeing and pastoral support
- Ongoing support throughout your student journey
The University understands that support needs may change over time and aims to provide flexible, individualised support.
Dedicated Support for Care Leavers and Estranged Students
The University has dedicated information and support available for students who are care-experienced or estranged from their families.
For more information, please visit:
Support for Care Experienced and Estranged Students - University of Wolverhampton
This includes information about:
- Financial support
- Accommodation
- Transition into University
- Student support services
- Ongoing guidance and assistance
Financial Support
We recognise that students who are care-experienced or estranged may have different financial circumstances from other students.
You may be eligible for:
- Bursaries
- Scholarships
- Additional financial support
- Advice regarding student finance
- Emergency support funds
University staff can help you understand what support may be available to you.
Accommodation and Housing
For many students, family members provide accommodation and support during holidays and periods away from study.
Care-experienced and estranged students may not have access to these arrangements.
If you are worried about:
- Accommodation during vacations
- Housing insecurity
- Returning home during breaks
- Transitioning into independent living
Please seek support as early as possible.
The University can help you explore available options and support.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Experiences of care, family breakdown, trauma, loss or instability can sometimes affect mental health and wellbeing.
Support is available if you are experiencing:
- Anxiety
- Low mood
- Loneliness
- Stress
- Feelings of isolation
- Concerns about belonging
You do not need to wait until difficulties become overwhelming before seeking support.
Building Connections and Belonging
University can be an opportunity to build new relationships, develop independence and create supportive networks.
However, it can also feel challenging at times.
We encourage students to:
- Connect with support services
- Engage in student life
- Build supportive friendships
- Access wellbeing support when needed
- Reach out if they are struggling
Belonging is an important part of student success.
Supporting a Care Experienced or Estranged Student
If you are supporting a student who is care-experienced or estranged, remember:
- Avoid assumptions about their circumstances.
- Respect their privacy and choices.
- Recognise that family relationships can be complex.
- Ask what support would be helpful.
- Encourage access to support services.
Every individual's experience is different.
You Are Not Defined by Your Circumstances
Being care-experienced or estranged is one part of your story.
It does not define your potential, ambitions or future.
The University recognises the strengths, resilience and determination that many students bring from their lived experiences and is committed to helping every student succeed.
Remember
You do not need to navigate university life alone.
Whether you need practical advice, financial guidance, wellbeing support or simply someone to talk to, support is available.
The right support is the support that helps you feel safe, connected, valued and able to achieve your goals.
At the University of Wolverhampton, we are committed to ensuring that care-experienced and estranged students can thrive, belong and succeed.