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11 Jun 2007 16:21:32
An initiative to help young people in care progress to higher education has been hailed a success thanks to public sector organisations and charities working together to achieve a common goal.
The partnerships between Luton Borough Council, the University of Bedfordshire and Aimhigher Luton and Bedfordshire, was praised at a special event at the University’s Putteridge Bury campus on Thursday (7 June). They joined forces to provide support for young care leavers who are nationally under represented at universities due to a lack of financial and emotional support.
Aimhigher’s Roisin Kendall spoke at the event. She said: “It’s important to raise awareness of the care agenda and this event was a good opportunity to celebrate the successes to date and to discuss ways of moving forward. There have been a number of hugely important schemes that have taken place via the Reach Your Goal project which have directly addressed the issues surrounding young care leavers being encouraged and supported to enter higher education.”
Launched in May 2006, the project set out to address the challenges that deter young care leavers from going to university. Working alongside several organisations including the Prince’s Trust, the YMCA and Further Education Colleges, the programme set up residential summer schools for Year 10 and 11 pupils and taster sessions at the University for Year 12 and 13 students to give them an insight into what university life is like.
Last month, the University received national recognition from the Frank Buttle Trust – a leading charity which provides grant aid for young people from deprived or unsupportive backgrounds. It received the charity’s quality mark for ‘going the extra mile’ in helping young people from a care background achieve their potential.
“Receiving the award has confirmed that our work is making a huge difference to the lives of young people in the Luton area who would not have otherwise considered university,” said Roisin. “It’s often a lack of money and support from family members or guardians that discourages young people from staying in education.
“But above all, this project demonstrates the effectiveness of working in partnership with other organisations, by bringing together leading care providers all of whom are striving to achieve a common goal. That goal is not a statistic, target or number but the academic and personal achievement of all young care leavers in the local community of Luton,” she added.
The event was attended by social workers, council representatives, teachers, transition learning mentors and educational and social practitioners including Aimhigher, the Prince’s Trust and the Connexions service. On the day, they saw the launch of a new financial information guide aimed at young people in care which outlines the financial entitlements and support they can receive at college and university.
Other speakers included Jonathon Whalley and Christine Goldson from Luton Borough Council who spoke about the council’s future vision and strategy of care for young people in Luton. In his closing address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Les Ebdon, praised the hard work and dedication of all the organisations and agencies involved.
The new Reach Your Goal Finance Guide will be sent to charities, schools, colleges, social workers and to young people aged 13-30 who are in care, to encourage them stay in education.
For further information about the Reach Your Goal project, visit the Direct Gov website or call Roisin Kendall on 01582 743881.
Latest news» 2007» June» Partnership helps young people from care background go on to university
