This week is Estranged Students Solidarity Week. Within the higher education sector, it aims to highlight the challenges faced by estranged students, and that not all students are studying with the support of their families.
The reasons for estrangement vary and are unique to the individual situation. It is important to be sensitive of this when discussing estrangement or supporting estranged individuals so as not to overlook their experience.
As part of Widening Participation and Social Mobility’s work to raise awareness, two members of the university community, M and Eloise, with lived experience of estrangement, share their thoughts in the lead up to the festive period:
Estrangement isn’t something many people are aware of until they are in that situation. To be estranged can mean a number of things, both for those immediately involved and for those supporting them.
Eloise says: “As an estranged student, for me this means not having contact with my parents, but still having contact with some of my siblings. For others, this could mean they have limited or no familial support as they no longer have contact or relations with their family.”
M adds: “As a result of being estranged, individuals may not have as much of a support network compared to others – it can be very isolating and scary being estranged. Family-centred holidays, such as Christmas or Eid can be particularly tricky.”
Estranged student support
Every experience with estrangement is different, so please be mindful of this when approaching such topics. At the University, we offer tailored support to estranged students, including:
- The University of Southampton Estranged Student Support Package, which includes access to halls 365 days a year, bursary support and a designated contact in the Student Inclusion team. Find more information about the Estranged Student Support package on our website.
- Independent support from the SUSU Advice Centre. Read the SUSU Advice Centre support for independent or estranged students or visit the SUSU Advice Centre for more information.
- You can also access support from Stand Alone, a national charity supporting those who are estranged. The University of Southampton has taken the Stand Alone Pledge to help support estranged students financially, with accommodation, their mental health and throughout their transition to university life. Read the University’s Stand Alone Pledge for more information.
For more information about our work with estranged students contact Emma Woozeer, Access Manager (Ignite), Widening Participation and Social Mobility via email at [email protected]
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