University of Northampton pledges to support students estranged from their families

The Stand Alone Pledge is an initiative that helps institutions develop support so young students who study without family help or approval can remain focused on their degrees
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The university of Northampton (UON) has signed up to a national pledge promising to help students estranged from their families.

The 'Stand Alone Pledge' is an initiative that helps institutions develop support so that young students, who study without help or approval from their families, can focus on their university studies.

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Director of Employability and Innovation at the university, Wray Irwin, said: “We are delighted to sign on the dotted line with the Stand Alone Pledge. This makes loud and clear our commitment to giving estranged students at UON every opportunity to succeed with us.

The university of Northampton has pledged to support estranged students.The university of Northampton has pledged to support estranged students.
The university of Northampton has pledged to support estranged students.

“Our vision at Northampton is to ‘Transform Lives and Inspire Change’ through the provision of a super supportive student experience. The Stand Alone Pledge is a welcome addition to the raft of initiatives and other projects on offer here.”

There are currently 94 estranged students studying at UON, which has now publicly committed to supporting these students to help them through their academic and professional careers.

The pledges are now all detailed on the university's website, 'under one roof'. Their purpose is to provide students with the same level of financial help and personal support as their peers, who have left care.

The pledges include:

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◾ A bursary for estranged students of £1,500 for each of the first two years and £2,000 for the final year of their undergraduate degrees.

◾ A room in University-owned accommodation is guaranteed for all new, full-time and first year students, with flexible, year-round tenancies available.

◾ Access to mental health services and counselling.

◾ Discount on postgraduate course fees.

Higher Education and Projects Director at Stand Alone charity, Susan Mueller, said: “By signing the Stand Alone Pledge, the university of Northampton is sending a message to estranged students that they are not on their own but that the university is committed to supporting them in getting into university and to succeeding in their chosen course.

"I look forward to working with the university of Northampton in developing further the support it offers to estranged students at every stage of their student journey.”

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You can find out more about the support package for estranged students and care leavers at UON on their website and you can find out more about the Stand Alone initiative at https://www.standalone.org.uk/