Estranged students get new package of support as DMU signs national pledge

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) is to offer extra care and support to students estranged from their parents, after signing a national pledge.

The university has agreed to back a campaign being run by Stand Alone – a charity which helps estranged adults – focusing on students.

In doing so, DMU has created a package of measures designed to make sure estranged students have the same chance of success as all other students.

Those measures include:

• A bursary of £1,000 per year for all undergraduate estranged students
• A graduation award  to help with the costs of moving on from university
• 365-day tenancies for all DMU-run accommodation
• Waiving of booking fees for all DMU-run accommodation
• Kitchen and bedding packs
• A single point of contact for all estranged students wanting to discuss their circumstances and adjustment to higher education.

DMU will also improve the way in which it identifies estranged students and foster new relationships with local charities, foyers and homeless shelters, among a number of other measures.

Professor Dominic Shellard, Vice-Chancellor of DMU, said: “We understand that estranged students often experience additional challenges with their finances, accommodation and mental health in comparison to their peers.

“In response, we have developed a package of tailored support to ensure students can succeed in their studies and achieve their ambitions.”

“We are committed to ensuring all students are able to access and succeed at university regardless of their circumstances and proud to be signatories to the Stand Alone Pledge.”

Emily Nelson, HE Project Officer, at Stand Alone, said: "Here at Stand Alone, we're incredibly pleased to hear that DMU has committed to work with us to work to help estranged students overcome disadvantage by signing The Stand Alone Pledge.

“DMU has long since set the standard amongst higher education institutes for working with and for estranged students, and we're delighted to be able to help them continue with this important and supportive work."

Terms and conditions apply to available measures. For further information contact transitions@dmu.ac.uk