We're thrilled to announce that the University has been awarded the Excellence and Innovation Award by the Stand Alone charity for its work with estranged students.

The Stand Alone charity raises awareness of estrangement and works with higher education providers across the UK. Their work aims to increase recognition of the barriers and issues estranged students face in accessing and succeeding at university. Sheffield Hallam is one of a number of higher education providers who have taken the Stand Alone 'Pledge', which outlines a public commitment by an institution to develop better support across the student life cycle for those facing estrangement from their families.

The nominations come after recent research by Professor Jacqueline Stevenson from Sheffield Institute of Education and Becca Bland, chief executive of Stand Alone, surveyed over 1,700 Sheffield Hallam and University of Sheffield students, to better understand how the presence or absence of a students' family affects their higher education experience. The Family Matters report found that UK university students who get daily support from their families are more motivated and less stressed.

The award celebrates the University's work, which provides a support service to both new and returning estranged students. The Estranged Student Transition Fund provides access to financial support when other sources of funding may have been withdrawn. The fund is made possible through the generous support of our donors and alumni.

Colleen Mitchell, student transitions manager and lead for the fund, says, 'The transition fund supports students in a variety of ways, individual to their circumstances. For example, students are supported with the practical and essential costs of moving to university such as the cost of rental bonds and associated fees as well as homeware necessities.'

The University was also nominated for its work in creating a residential mentors programme, which supports the wellbeing and welfare of students living in halls of residence.

With this award, Sheffield is being recognised for its outstanding commitment and innovative strategies aimed at estranged students. It is thanks to the generosity of donors to the Hallam Fund that the University is able to continue to be a champion for social mobility and inclusion.