Sheffield Hallam University has been recognised for its support for students who are estranged from their families during the Covid-19 pandemic

Press contact: Greg Mattocks-Evans | g.mattocks-evans@shu.ac.uk

It is the second year in a row that the University has received the Stand Alone Pledge Award which recognises the general, financial and graduation support provided for estranged students.

Sheffield Hallam has approximately 400 students studying at the University who have identified themselves as estranged from their families.

The University offers a variety of financial, emotional and practical support for students with care experience or who are not in contact with their families.

This support includes:

• Supplying them with the equipment they needed to study at home.
• Providing food vouchers as well as extra money for those suffering financial hardship.
• A transition fund to final year students to help bridge the gap between university and paid employment.
• A named University contact for care experienced or estranged students to book appointments to talk about their wellbeing and any specific challenges they are facing.
• Extra consideration taken on assessment and grading processes.
• Working with accommodation providers to establish flexible payment options and year-round accommodation.
  Christmas hampers were provided to estranged students as a gift from the university as Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for students without family support.
• A ‘Moving On’ bursary was provided for estranged students who graduated in the summer, to help them with the transition from university to employment.The University also provides significant support to care leavers and young people estranged from their families before they arrive at university, helping them through the application process through the SHU Progress programme. 

The University also provides significant support to care leavers and young people estranged from their families before they arrive at university, helping them through the application process through the SHU Progress programme.

Last year, SHU Progress supported 12 estranged students nominated by a professional to apply for and start their university life.

Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Chris Husbands, said: “This award is a reflection of the commitment the University has made to its care leaver and estranged students, not only during the pandemic, but throughout their university life to support them to achieve their full potential.

“We will continue to improve the support that we offer to estranged students and develop our understanding of the unique challenges they face to ensure they can thrive during their time at Sheffield Hallam.”

The University signed up to the Stand Alone pledge in 2016, which offered a commitment from the University to continue to improve its support for estranged and care experienced students.