Students who are Care Leavers/Care Experienced, or who are estranged from their family, often have additional challenges to overcome to be able to engage fully in their studies and University life.

At the University of Bolton, we are committed to helping you overcome these barriers, helping you to achieve your goals.

If you are a Care Leaver you may be eligible for additional support whilst at University, please speak to with Student Advisors for more information. Staff can also support you in exploring your own circumstances and working out strategies promote your learning, allowing you to fulfil your potential.

Linking in with organisations who support people with similar experiences to you can be invaluable.

They are likely to be more familiar with tackling certain issues, meaning they can provide you with more accurate support and information which is relevant to your needs. It can also be really empowering to connect with others who have gone through somethign similar, helping you to know you aren't alone and giving you the opportunity to get support that is right for you.

If you are care experienced, you may like to take a look at:

The Charity Become, the leading UK charity supporting Children in Care and those who are Care Experienced.

The Care Leavers Association is a national charity aimed at improving the lives of care leavers of all ages.

The Care Leavers' Foundation provides much needed help to care leavers

If you are estranged from your family, view:

StandAlone - providing information and advice guides, podcasts, support groups and other resources to those estranged from family.

Buttle UK is a charity offering grants and support to children. They have specific grants available for estranged young people. To find out more visit their page.

Care leavers' charter from the UK Government

This Charter sets out promises care leavers want the central and local government to make. Promises and principles help in decision making and do not replace laws; they give guidance to show how laws are designed to be interpreted.
The key principles in this Charter will remain constant through any changes in Legislation, Regulation and Guidance. Care leavers urge local authorities to use these principles when they make decisions about young people’s lives. The Charter for Care Leavers is designed to raise expectation, aspiration and understanding of what care leavers need and what the government and local authorities should do to be good Corporate Parents.