Care leavers support
Dedicated to supporting you
At University College Birmingham, we are dedicated to providing support for all our students who are Care Leavers or Care Experienced.
- Care Leavers – We define a Care Leaver as a young person over 16 years of age who has spent at least 13 weeks under the care of the local authority and/or Health and Social Care Trust since the age of 14.
- Care Experienced – We define a Care Experienced student as someone who has been in care at any stage of their life, no matter how long or short the duration.
If either of the above applies to you, we encourage you to look at the range of support we can offer you:
Financial support
If you are interested in getting a job alongside your studies, we can guarantee you an interview for the position of Student Ambassador with our Student Outreach team. This role can provide you with regular paid work throughout the year while you are studying.
If you are a Care Leaver on one of our college courses, you may also be eligible for the following:
- Help towards the cost of uniform and equipment for your course
- A travel pass for NXBus West Midlands
- Free college meals
Alternative offer opportunities
Care Leavers are eligible for a contextual offer. This is an entry that normally offers one grade lower than the usual entry requirements displayed on our course pages, though this can vary depending on the course you are interested in studying.
If you would like to know more about this, please contact our Admissions team on 0121 604 1040 or email admissions@ucb.ac.uk
Transitioning from school/college to university
If you have any queries relating to access to higher education, we have a single point of contact for Care Leavers, Care Experienced people and their advisers (with no strict definition of these terms).
Please contact our Safeguarding Manager (Designated Safeguarding Lead) Tracy-Anne Rider by emailing TRider@ucb.ac.uk Tracy can assist with any queries as well as arranging a campus tour for you to meet relevant support staff and understand what support is available prior to starting your studies at University College Birmingham.
Support during your studies at University College Birmingham
Student Assistance Programme
This free and confidential service provides mental health support and advice about any academic or personal problems that could be affecting you. The service provides unlimited access to a 24/7 confidential counselling helpline, including the option of phone sessions with trained counsellors. If you would like to speak to a BACP-accredited counsellor any time of day or night, you can call 0800 028 3766.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Team
Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Team provide counselling, mental health and wellbeing advice. As a Care Leaver, you will be given priority for booking an appointment with the team – simply complete the online registration form on the Student Portal and share your Care Leaver/Care Experienced status. Once you have applied, our team will contact you by email with a date and time for an assessment, based on the availability stated on your application.
As a Care Leaver/Care Experienced student, you can also arrange a meeting with the team to discuss your needs and how they can support you holistically. Your personal adviser can be included in this meeting if you wish.
Safeguarding Team
You will be able to have regular contact with our Safeguarding team, who can provide practical and emotional support as well as signpost you to appropriate help if you are experiencing personal issues, particularly if these may impact your studies.
HIRED Team
Our HIRED employability and placements service provides impartial careers advice and guidance tailored to you. The team can help you organise getting work experience, develop your career options, improve your employability skills such as interview techniques, and apply for further academic courses. For more information, visit our HIRED page.
Student Engagement Team
Our Student Engagement Team can provide you with a mentor during your time at University College Birmingham. Find out more on our Mentoring page.
Support from other agencies
Propel
Propel is a website providing support and information for Care Leavers looking to enter higher education. Visit their website here.
The EaCES Handbook
This is a virtual guide written by estranged and Care Experienced students. It brings together advice and information for students from the same background. Check out the guide here.
Care Leaver Local Offer
Search for support offered by your local authority here.
Coram Voice
Coram Voice provides support for children and young people in care and for care leavers, including information about your rights and help such as access to a social worker. Visit the website here.
The Rees Foundation
A lifelong support network offering advice and help for Care Experienced individuals. They also run a number of projects to celebrate personal and professional achievements. Visit the website here.