Support for care leavers
At SOAS we understand that having a complicated support network can impact on your experience of education. Because of this we provide additional support for students with experience of care, both before and during their studies at SOAS.
Support before coming to SOAS
Dedicated member of staff
Our dedicated member of staff for care-leavers, Sarah (email: st47@soas.ac.uk), is here to help prospective and incoming students to understand the additional support that may be available to them, providing an ongoing point of contact who understands your situation.
SOAS’s APSS outreach
The APSS team will prioritise applications from care leavers for a variety of free to attend activities, such as summer schools and masterclasses.
Support once you are at SOAS
Dedicated member of staff
Sarah, our dedicated member of staff for care-leavers (email: st47@soas.ac.uk) is able to liaise with internal departments on a student’s behalf and provides an ongoing point of contact for pastoral support.
Financial advice and support
The Student Advice Service can support students in being assessed as independent for Student Finance England, applying to the Access to Learning Fund and addressing budget consents.
Accommodation advice and scholarships
The Student Advice Service can also support students in navigating options to find suitable accommodation throughout their studies.
SOAS is a participating institution in the University of London Care Leavers and Estranged Students Scholarship. The Scholarship provides free accommodation, please visit the page for full details on eligibility and how to apply.
You may also apply to the Unite Foundation Scholarship, which covers acommodation and bills for up to 3 years. For further information please see the Unite Foundation Scholarship webpage.
Mental health support
Current SOAS students have access to services such as counselling and professional mentoring through the Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Service.
Advising change
We are currently in the process of trying to further reduce barriers for care-leavers at SOAS; we would love as many students with experience of care to be involved in this process as possible - if you think you might be interested, please get in touch on st47@soas.ac.uk
For additional advice and support
- Buttle UK provides financial help to young people aged 16-20 who receive no support from their parents or guardians in order to pursue an educational or employment goal.
- The Care Leavers Association provides advice, guidance and advocacy support in terms of entitlements leaving care.
- The Drive Forward Foundation provides support to care-leavers seeking to transition into a career.
- The Rees Foundation offer help and advice to care experienced people about any concern.
- Student Finance England provides further information on the financial packages available to care leavers.
- ThisIsUs Community provides a place for all UK care experienced and estranged students in Higher Education, of any age.
- Turn2us provides a free service for those in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help.
