GHWY is a partnership of 13 HE providers, working collaboratively to reduce long-standing inequalities in access to, success in and progression from HE.

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Welcome to June's issue of GHWY's Care to Go Higher newsletter.

In this issue we launch a new series of blogs that's based on our innovative Care to Go Higher programme. The CPD, which is aimed at the key influencers of care-experienced young people, has had extremely positive feedback. With information being key to a successful experience with Higher Education (HE), we’ve decided to share some of this content more widely. In the first part, we look at one of the difficulties for care-experienced young people heading to HE.

As always, we're looking for news stories, resources or upcoming events to promote. If you have anything to share from your organisation then please get in touch with Susan Darlington .

Contents

Click on the title to be taken to the relevant section.

News for care professionals
Upcoming CPD opportunities
Upcoming Higher Education (HE) events
Latest HE sector updates
Support offered to care-experienced young people by our members
Useful GHWY resources

News for care professionals

Independent living transitions for care-experienced young people

Unlike many young people starting HE, care-experienced students do not have the support of a family while they adapt to living independently for the first time.

Foster carers may not be able to support their young person emotionally or financially, which can put pressure on the transition to independent living. This is compounded if the student isn’t sure who to turn to if they need help.

In this blog, we look at some of the ways you can offer support to your young person.

From carers to care-experienced: how you can support

Caring can be – but is not always – the precursor to ending up in care. It could be caring for a single parent with an illness who passes away, or caring for a parent whose substance abuse problem worsens. In both cases, the young person might have to be removed from the family home.

It can be hard for young people to change from a caring mentality into someone who is being cared for.

We present six ways that you as a care professional can help current or past carers to succeed in HE.

Upcoming CPD opportunities

We know that many students who are care-experienced also belong to other under-represented groups, such as disability and minority ethnicities. These free sessions provide a broader understanding of these lived experiences and ways in which to engage with young people.

Understanding the HE clearing process

When: Wednesday, 21 June between 3-4.30pm
Where: Online
Who: University of Bradford

This session will give useful information about Clearing and how to support students through the process.

Clearing is a chance for students to get a place at university, by matching those that want one to universities with unfilled places. It can be used if the young person didn't get into their firm or insurance choice universities, or didn't get any offers when they first applied.

Further information.

Upcoming Higher Education (HE) events

HE events can help young people to plan the next steps on their educational journey. They offer an opportunity to visit campuses, talk to staff and current students, and learn more about what courses are available. They are free, with in-person as well as online options usually available.

Next gen undergraduate show 2023

When: 19-24 June
Where: Blenheim Walk, Leeds
Who: Leeds Arts University

If your young person is interested in art and design, then this free exhibition will help to inspire them! It features the work of students from 15 undergraduate courses, including contemporary art and animation.

Further information.

Open day

When: Saturday, 24 June between 5-7pm
Where: Taylor Hill Animal Centre
Who: Kirklees College

A must for any young animal lover! Find out more about the College's courses in Animal Care, Agriculture, Countryside, Dog Grooming, and Landscaping/Horticulture.

Further information.

Latest HE sector updates

GMI Construction Group launches Construction Cares Programme in support of care leavers

GMI Construction Group has launched a Construction Cares Programme, which delivers employment opportunities and employability support to care leavers.

As part of its initiative, it has launched a three-day DIY programme providing care leavers with hands-on experience and training in construction-related jobs.

Tackle stereotypes by making care experience a protected characteristic, campaigner urges

A young woman is involved in a nation-wide campaign for care experience to be treated as a protected characteristic. 25 councils have already adopted the policy.

Ellie Johnson hopes that a policy change will improve society’s understanding of what it means to be a child in care.

Support offered to care-experienced young people by our members

Our spotlight features highlight what support our 13 member institutions offer to care-experienced young people. They detail care leaver contacts, financial support, and bespoke campus tours among other things.

Each 'what support we offer' feature is regularly updated to ensure that content is up to date, which makes them a valuable resource when guiding your young people through their HE journey.

Find out more.

Useful GHWY resources

Take a look at some of our free resources, which can be used to support care leavers and estanged young people to make informed decisions about their future.

View the GHWY Care Leaver Covenant

GHWY's collaborative Care Leaver Covenant includes information about what our 13 members offer to care leavers, along with useful tips and links. It is reviewed every year to ensure that its information is kept relevant, with addtional details being available online.

View the Covenant.

Resource pack for professionals and carers

Our free resources pack is designed to help you support care-experienced young people to make informed choices about their educational future. It will encourage you reflect on your own role as someone with influence and provide tips and activities to get the conversation going with young people.

Email us at hello@gohigherwestyorks.ac.uk to receive a copy of the pack.

Read GHWY's Stand Alone Pledge

Our collaborative Stand Alone Pledge includes information about what our 13 members offer to estranged young people, along with useful tips and links. Additional information will be added to our website soon to include further support details.

View the Pledge.

Resources bank

Our resource bank holds a wide range of free and informative materials for various audiences to access. There includes sections on wellbeing in education, employability essentials, online taster days, and useful links.

Find out more.

Go Higher West Yorkshire: reducing inequalities in access to, success in and progression from Higher Education.