3 in 5 estranged UK students reside in London. These students are often separated from their family due to experiences of physical and emotional abuse.
Katrina, a languages student at Queen Mary’s University said, “It is very isolating being estranged, especially at Christmas. Everyone moves away. They all go back home and then it’s just us left on campus to hope we stumble across each other”.
Katrina is not alone. The group All Of Us, who released the statistics, aim to create a safe space for young people who have limited or no family contact. Therefore All of Us, who are funded by charity The Unite Foundation, organised a free brunch meet up for 20 young people who share a common experience.
Katrina added, “being an estranged student is harder to define and prove, and sometimes the support isn’t there”.
Hope for the Future
Susan Meuller, a spokesperson for Stand Alone, a charity providing support for independent students, said “More and more universities are doing ‘host your own Christmas events’ and sending out cards and gifts to students who aren’t going home. 6 or 7 years ago this was totally unheard of.”
Therefore, Mueller added, “the visibility of estranged students (has increased). It’s really important to recognise that there are students who are not supported by a local authority and who are independent on their own”.
Submitted Article
Headline
Short Headline
Standfirst
Published Article
HeadlineLondon home to largest number of estranged students in the UK
Short Headline60% of UK students alone at Christmas live in London
StandfirstThe support group All of Us says that these students in London often struggle with finding safe spaces and support.
3 in 5 estranged UK students reside in London. These students are often separated from their family due to experiences of physical and emotional abuse.
Katrina, a languages student at Queen Mary’s University said, “It is very isolating being estranged, especially at Christmas. Everyone moves away. They all go back home and then it’s just us left on campus to hope we stumble across each other”.
Katrina is not alone. The group All Of Us, who released the statistics, aim to create a safe space for young people who have limited or no family contact. Therefore All of Us, who are funded by charity The Unite Foundation, organised a free brunch meet up for 20 young people who share a common experience.
Katrina added, “being an estranged student is harder to define and prove, and sometimes the support isn’t there”.
Hope for the Future
Susan Meuller, a spokesperson for Stand Alone, a charity providing support for independent students, said “More and more universities are doing ‘host your own Christmas events’ and sending out cards and gifts to students who aren’t going home. 6 or 7 years ago this was totally unheard of.”
Therefore, Mueller added, “the visibility of estranged students (has increased). It’s really important to recognise that there are students who are not supported by a local authority and who are independent on their own”.
