Care-experienced Students

Who is care-experienced?

Our definition of care-experienced is someone who, at any stage of their life, and for any length of time, has been in care e.g., looked after by the local authority. This includes the following:

• spent time in the care of the local authority (e.g. foster care or children’s home)
• privately fostered
• ‘looked after at home’ under a supervision order
• in kinship foster care (where a friend or family member becomes the foster carer). Kinship care through a formal arrangement, recognised by a Local Authority, and could be prior to a Special Guardianship Order."

This definition has been agreed in partnership with NERAP as part of the Care Leaver Covenant.

At Durham we have a range of support available for all students and as a care leaver, you are no different. We do however, understand that you may have concerns, questions or things happening in your life that other students may not have and want to ensure that you feel supported during your journey at Durham. We are always here if you would like support, whether you are a prospective student, a fresher or a finalist so please get in touch if there is anything that we can do. 

The University's main contacts for supporting care leavers are Rebecca Duckworth and Ricky Lee.

Rebecca and Ricky can provide information and advice regarding the range of support services on offer to students at Durham. Whether you are a prospective or current student please contact us and if they cannot answer your query, you will be directed to the most relevant person. Contact us by emailing du.cares@durham.ac.uk

How can I let you know that I am a care leaver?

1. Make sure that you tick the box on your UCAS form that asks if you are a care leaver. That way, we will know before you arrive and can arrange for you to receive relevant information before you begin your degree.
   
   
   
2. Email us. You can also let us know that you are a care leaver by emailing Ricky Lee and Rebecca Duckworth, who will be happy to provide you with further information should you request it. They can be contacted at: du.cares@durham.ac.uk