Students who are estranged from their families
Starting or continuing university without family support can feel daunting, but you’re not alone. We’re here to offer practical help, guidance, and a sense of community—so you can thrive at Worcester.
Being independent of your family may mean that you will have additional considerations during your study, and although this may be the case, these should not be seen as a barrier to entering or progressing during your time at University.
Who Is This Page For?
- Estranged students: You no longer have contact or support from your parents or guardians.
- Care leavers: You have spent time in local authority care (such as foster care, residential care, or kinship care).
Support for Students
In the Student Support and Wellbeing Team, we assist students with any welfare issues that may be affecting their time at Worcester, and we are also able to signpost students to specialist services both within and outside the University if appropriate.
As a care leaver or an estranged student, you will be given priority for appointments with the Counselling and Mental Health Team and the Money Advice Team, and the University is able to offer accommodation to you for a full 52 week period if required. You are also amongst the ‘priority groups’ for the Access To Learning Fund (Hardship Fund).
Your Named Contact
You’ll have a dedicated contact (currently Lucy Sandwell, Student Community Wellbeing Service Manager) who can support you from your application through to graduation.
Lucy is here to answer questions, help you access support, and be a consistent point of contact.
Contact: lucy.sandwell@worc.ac.uk
Academic and Pastoral Support
- Flexible Study: If your circumstances affect your studies, you can request academic flexibility—like deadline extensions or attendance adjustments.
- How to Request: Speak to your Academic Tutor or Student Life Adviser. We can help you set up a support plan tailored to your needs.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
Your Privacy: Telling us you’re care experienced or estranged is confidential. We won’t share this information with family members or anyone else without your permission. It won’t affect your application or status—sharing helps us support you better.
To arrange an appointment, you can contact firstpoint or alternatively email us directly at studentlife@worc.ac.uk.
Remember: You’re an important part of our university community. If you have questions, need support, or just want to chat, reach out—confidentially and without judgement. We’re here for you, every step of the way.