Care Leaver and Estranged Student Independence Fund

The Care Leaver Independence Fund aims to support students who have experience of being in care and those who are estranged from their families by providing flexible financial assistance for costs that may otherwise create barriers to their wellbeing, participation, or progression at university.

The fund recognises that care-experienced and estranged students may not have access to the financial and practical support networks that other students rely upon. The award is therefore intended to provide targeted support that helps students access opportunities related to their studies, manage specific one-off costs that arise during their time at university and maintain their wellbeing.

The value of each award is up to £500 per application. Students may submit up to three applications per academic year. If the cost of the item, or service exceeds £500, consideration will be given at the panel’s discretion. Please note that funding for this award is limited, and the award may close once the budget has been fully allocated.

Examples of costs that may be supported:

• Course-related opportunities, including costs associated with placements, training, or work experience that enhances your academic or career development.
• Essential study-related items or services, for example laptop repairs, specialist software, or equipment.
• Mental health and wellbeing support, such as counselling, therapy, or other wellbeing activities that support your mental health.

These above listed items are not exhaustive. The fund is flexible and discretionary and we will consider applications for other items or services that support your studies and wellbeing.

The fund cannot be used to cover the following types of costs:

• General living expenses: including rent, bills, groceries, travel costs, or standard course materials. If you are experiencing financial hardship, you should apply to the University’s Student Support Fund.
• Emergency or unexpected financial hardship costs: that would normally be considered through the Student Support Fund.
• Luxury or non-essential items, including clothing, jewellery, cars, fuel/petrol, socialising, or other personal purchases not related to your studies or wellbeing.
• Debt repayment: including credit cards, loans, overdrafts, or borrowing from family or friends.
• Childcare costs: including nursery fees or other childcare costs.
• Technology or gadgetry purchases: such as buying a new laptop, tablet, or mobile phone (although essential repairs may be considered).

Who can apply?

The Care-Experienced and Estranged Student Independence Fund is available to home undergraduate students who meet one of the following criteria:

• Care-experienced students (who are assessed as being Independent by Student Finance) – for the purposes of this fund, students must have spent time in local authority care, including foster care, residential homes, or kinship care (supervised by authorities) and be assessed as independent by Student Finance England. Or;
• Financially independent estranged students (who are assessed as being Independent by Student Finance) – for the purposes of this fund, students who have no contact with and receive no support from their parents or guardians, and who do not expect the situation to be reconciled, who have been assessed as financially independent by the Student Finance England.

Applicants will be asked to provide evidence of their eligibility. This will usually be a supporting letter from a professional who is familiar with your circumstances (for example, a Wellbeing Tutor, teacher, social worker, support worker etc.).

Please note that students may apply to the fund if they already hold an Enhanced Chamberlain Award. However, students who are currently in receipt of both the Enhanced Chamberlain Accommodation Award and the Care Leaver Scholarship are not eligible to apply.

Eligible Nationalities:

This fund is only open to citizens of the United Kingdom who are domiciled (living) in the UK.

How to Apply

Students can apply by completing the online application form. The form is short and should take no more than 10 - 15 minutes to complete.

As part of the application, you will be asked to:

• Confirm your eligibility by indicating whether you are a care-experienced or estranged student. If you have not previously provided evidence for the Enhanced Chamberlain Award, you will be asked to upload a supporting letter from a professional.
• Describe the item, service, activity, or event that you are requesting funding for, and explain how it will support your professional development, studies, or wellbeing.
• Provide evidence of the cost, such as a screenshot or link showing the price of the item or service.

If your application is successful, you will be asked to provide a receipt after purchasing the item or service. Students who do not provide receipts when requested may be asked to repay the funds and may not be eligible to apply for future funding.

Once submitted your application will be reviewed by the Funding, Graduation and Awards Team, who will assess your eligibility for the award.