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CPD: An Introduction to Supporting Estranged Students - Southern Universities Network CPD: An Introduction to Supporting Estranged Students - Southern Universities Network

Lesson 5.2: University and Community Support

To be considered irreconcilably estranged from your parents, you won’t have had any written or verbal contact with either parent and this is unlikely to change. Usually, for a period of at least twelve months, but we will consider all cases.”

Here you can see the Student Finance England definition of estrangement when supporting a student into University. If there are concerns around the processing of applications, the complexity of individual circumstances around estrangement are taken into consideration.

To be considered irreconcilably estranged from your parents, you won’t have had any written or verbal contact with either parent and this is unlikely to change. Usually, for a period of at least twelve months, but SFE will consider all cases.

You can see from the form above that is available to be filled out, the guidance is comprehensive and there is the opportunity for maximum financial support to be given.

In addition to support from UCAS, universities often provide a Designated Finance Contact specifically for Estranged students, as well as various non-refundable bursaries and hardship funds. The funds may support with day to day living, food or sometimes expenses such as driving lessons or interview clothes. It’s worth looking on individual university websites with the student depending on where they’d like to study.

Financial Support

Here are some examples of financial support that may be available for estranged students:

‘The Buttle Trust‘ offers a ‘Changes for children’ grant of up to £2,000 for young people in crisis (including those who are or become estranged from their parents) to help with costs such as travel, interview clothes, household equipment etc. Students can apply if they are under 21 and in further or higher education. To apply, students have to be referred by the college, university, or their support worker. Students won’t need to provide evidence again if the college or university already knows about the situation.

‘Unite Foundation scholarships‘ provide free accommodation to support estranged or care-experienced young people for up to three years of study. Unite Foundation is a charitable trust founded by student accommodation provider Unite Students in 2012. However, not all Universities have these scholarships. According to the Unite website, they work with 60 Universities, so it’s important to do your research. In addition, the Unite Foundation also has an ‘All of Us’ Community for all estranged and care-experienced students across the UK. Students don’t have to be on the scholarship to join in – there may be events or meet-ups, which are a safe, sociable way to make new connections, especially for those looking for friends from a similar background within their accommodation.

‘Turn2us‘ provides information on local support. The ‘Find an Adviser’ tool allows you to search for local, regional, or national organisations that can provide you with information and advice on a variety of topics. Topics include benefits, housing, bereavement, legal issues, mental health, and more.

Each HE provider will have their own support package for estranged students, which is often found on their website, or through Student Services.

Task – Find local support in your area via Turn2us

University Accommodation Support

Universities can offer all year-round accommodation for estranged students for 52 weeks of the year, some universities may offer discounted accommodation. In addition, someone at the university may be able to act as a guarantor for students who want to live in private accommodation.

We have mentioned the Unite Foundation Scholarships providing free accommodation to support estranged or care experience young people for up to 3 years of study. Unite Foundation provide additional support and guidance for scholarship applications, to help students who may feel stuck with how to go about this.

24/7 Campus Security: University’s provide 24/7, 365 days a year uniformed presence, with regular patrols across all campus areas. Emergency numbers and security locations would be given to students at the point of induction.

Safe Zone: This is an app many university’s use that enables staff and students to immediately contact Campus Security in an emergency, receive first aid when on campus and also receive notifications during an emergency situation. This is another layer of accessing security on campus.

Police University Liaison Officers: Some university’s have Police University Liaison Officers that are attached to the campus, as part of their wellbeing services. Their details are given to university students on arrival should a student wish to contact them.

University Support

Below is the wide range of support services that universities often offer to estranged students. These services are designed to help you feel welcomed, supported, and connected throughout your university journey:

👋 Welcome Ambassadors – Friendly faces to greet and guide you on arrival.

Often available during move-in days and orientation.
Help you settle in and answer questions.

🫂 Estranged Students Societies

Meet others with shared experiences and build your support network.
Safe spaces to connect and share.
Events, socials, and peer support.

🤝 Buddy Schemes – Pair up with a buddy to help navigate the first few weeks.

Get matched with a current student.
Helps reduce loneliness and build confidence.

💬 Free Counselling Services – Confidential emotional support when you need it.

Access to trained professionals.
Sessions may be in-person or online.

🌱 Free Mentoring Services – Guidance from experienced students or staff to help you thrive.

Academic and personal development support.
Often includes regular check-ins and goal setting.

📌 Important Note – Support varies by university – always check what’s available at your institution. You can help your students by researching and sharing this information with them.

Wellbeing & Community Support

The Estranged Students Network has been put in place by students who have become Estranged, by way of creating a community – they have podcasts and social media where they share top tips, signposting and upcoming events. This is a helpful resource to signpost students to who are interested in going to university.

Accommodation help – Safeguarding teams or the local authority may be aware of accommodation support if the young person is at risk of becoming homeless or is already homeless.
Local community groups – There might be local groups that could offer wellbeing support.
Mental health services – If the young person is wanting to access wellbeing or mental health support, have a look in the local area what free support is available. Self-referrals through the NHS, charities, Mind youth charities. You’re mental health / wellbeing team may be able to provide you with a list of referrals in the local area.

There may be other types of support to help; this list is not exhaustive!

CPD: An Introduction to Supporting Estranged Students

Curriculum

Lesson 5.2: University and Community Support

Task – Find local support in your area via Turn2us

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