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Estranged Student Solidarity Week

ESSW is about supporting and celebrating estranged students.

This year ESSW runs from Monday 21st to Friday 25th November 2022.

Estranged students are one of a number of student groups who come under our widening access community. These students are statistically more likely to face barrier both in entering higher education, and in staying there. That's why we as an SU have developed a number of projects, funds, events and even a Care Experienced and Estranged Society to help support such students and improve their student experience whilst studying at Strathclyde.

What is an Estranged Student?

Estranged students are those who are studying without the support and/or approval of their family network, due to a breakdown in relationships. This might be their biological, step or adoptive parents, or wider family members, who have been involved in their care.

Care Experienced and Estranged (CE/E) Society

A free society for all care experienced and estranged students to join. Creating an environment where students can access peer support and socialise with other care experienced and estranged students.

The society is run exclusively by care experienced and estranged students, for care experienced and estranged studentsThey have a hugely diverse range of students involved, from undergraduates, to postgrads, mature students, across all disciplines.

They aim to be as inclusive as possible, welcoming care experienced and estranged students regardless of background, mental or physical disability (including hidden disabilities), race, religion, sexuality, gender, or gender identity.

Join the Society

Digital Inclusion Programme

The University of Strathclyde Digital Inclusion Programme is a technology loan scheme for students who do not have access to an appropriate PC or Laptop to support their learning. They also offer wifi grants to eligible students, including estranged students!

It's funded by a grant from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and is administered under the guidance of the SFC. 

Apply here

Manifesto for Change Update

Last year Strath Union became the first ever Students' Union to sign the Stand Alone 'Manifesto for Change'. The manifesto was signed by VP Welfare, Lewis McDermott, Liam McCabe from the charity Stand Alone and Access and Participation Coordinator at Strath Union, Sofia Khan. 

This commited the Union to providing for estranged students in 4 key areas. It's been one year since we signed the manifesto check out what we've been working on since then.

Read more

These commitments sit alongside the University Widening Access Department's own Standalone Pledge. Check out how they also support estranged students.

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