Stand Alone is a respected national charity that supports adults who are estranged from their family. Taking the Stand Alone Pledge endorses and confirms the University of Bath’s ongoing commitment to providing support to students in this position; in making this commitment we join over forty HEIs across the UK.
Estranged students are young people studying without the support and approval of a family network. Young people in this position often have no contact at all with their family and have removed themselves from a dysfunctional situation.
Research undertaken by Stand Alone indicates that estranged students are more likely to have financial difficulties, be at risk of homelessness, and need additional mental health and wellbeing support. They often do not meet their local authorities qualifying criteria as a statutory care leaver, so cannot access social service interventions.
To address this, from 2017/8 the University has agreed to provide new undergraduate estranged students from the UK with additional support including; a bursary of £1,000 per year, additional start-up and graduation payments of £1,000, a guaranteed place in University accommodation for the duration of their course, and a named member of staff in Student Services who will be a regular point of contact from pre-entry and throughout their course to offer specialist advice and guidance.
Professor Peter Lambert, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, said:
"I am proud that the University has made this commitment, and that we will continue to provide financial and personal support to estranged students. We have a responsibility to ensure every student at Bath is supported to fulfil their potential, regardless of their personal circumstances, and this pledge represents an important part of this commitment."
For further information about support available for estranged students please contact Student Services.