As part of Care Leaver Month and Estrangement Solidarity Week, Student Retention & Success is proud to announce a new partnership with the Sports Training Village (STV) designed to remove financial barriers and support the wellbeing of care-experienced and estranged students.
This year, all first-year care leaver and estranged students will receive the offer of a free one-year gym membership. In addition, all returning students who are care-experienced or estranged will receive 50% off their annual membership.
This initiative recognises that every student deserves access to opportunities that support their health, confidence and success, regardless of background or personal circumstances.
Removing barriers to participation
Care leaver and estranged students often face unique challenges, including financial pressures and limited access to family support networks. These barriers can make it difficult to participate fully in student life, particularly when it comes to wellbeing activities that often require membership fees or additional costs.
By offering free and discounted access to the gym, our aim is to ensure that wellbeing resources are accessible, inclusive and equitable. No student should have to choose between essential living costs and taking care of their physical and mental health.
Jess Clements Sports Development Manager, who helped create this initiative, shared:
"We’re delighted to support care-experienced and estranged students by making our facilities more accessible. Every student deserves the chance to enjoy the benefits of exercise, and we hope this helps them feel welcomed, supported and part of our community.”
Imroze Sahota, Team Leader within Student Retention & Success, added:
"We know that care-experienced and estranged students can face additional barriers throughout their university journey. Providing free and discounted gym memberships is one meaningful way we can reduce those pressures and promote wellbeing. We want every student to feel valued, supported and able to thrive both academically and personally”
A commitment to student success and inclusion
By partnering with the Sports Training Village, Student Retention & Success reaffirms its commitment to creating a supportive environment where all students can thrive. Exercise can play a valuable role in boosting wellbeing, building confidence and helping students feel more connected to campus life. For care leaver and estranged students, who may sometimes face additional pressures, ensuring access to these opportunities can make a meaningful difference.
Life as an estranged student
To find out more about what its like to be an estranged student at the University of Bath you can read the blog my experience as an estranged student by Elizabeth a Biochemistry student.
If you are a care-experienced or an estranged student and would like to find out more about accessing your gym membership, please contact the Student Retention & Success team at studentsuccess@bath.ac.uk.