News
Wednesday 23 July 2008
University recognised for supporting care leavers
The support provided to young people leaving care and enrolling at university has earned Nottingham Trent University a distinguished seal of approval. The Frank Buttle Trust’s Quality Mark for Higher Education recognises the University’s commitment to supporting care leavers in overcoming the challenges that they face in going to university.
With only 1% of care leavers in the UK choosing to go on to higher education, Nottingham Trent University has devoted staff and resources to encouraging more young people from care backgrounds to consider enrolling on their courses.
Louisa Hare, Student Support Officer for care leavers at Nottingham Trent University, said: "There is often a gap in support for care leavers that young people from more traditional family backgrounds might not necessarily have to worry about. We offer practical help in dealing with issues like paperwork, applications or transport, as well as wider guidance and support throughout their university life.
"Many care leavers simply don't have the means to move their belongings from a non-term time address into their student residence, but we can help them with making arrangements with their local authorities to overcome that."
The Frank Buttle Trust’s Quality Mark for Higher Education is working towards standardising the support that care leavers receive at university and ensuring they receive the same educational opportunities as other young people.
Gerri McAndrew, Chief Executive of the Frank Buttle Trust said: "We're delighted to have awarded Nottingham Trent University the Quality Mark for Higher Education, for their support in helping more young people benefit from studying at university."
ENDS
Notes for editors:
Press enquiries please contact Dave Rogers, Press Officer, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8782, or via email dave.rogers@ntu.ac.uk, or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8774, or via email therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk.
About the Frank Buttle Trust:
Founded in 1937 and operational since 1953, the Frank Buttle Trust is the largest UK charity providing grant aid solely to individual children and young people in desperate need. For over half a century, the Trust has helped many thousands of vulnerable children, young people and families throughout the United Kingdom. In 2006 – 2007, the Trust made 8,785 grants, totaling £2.7 million.
