We at Newcastle University are proud to announce our recent pledge to Stand Alone, reaffirming our commitment to supporting estranged students and addressing the specific challenges they face.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in our efforts to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their personal circumstances.
Stand Alone, which is a leading charity dedicated to supporting estranged adults, highlights several key challenges that these students often encounter and have to overcome during their time in higher education. These challenges encompass crucial aspects such as finance, accommodation, mental health and well-being, and the vital need for outreach to foster a sense of connection.
By aligning ourselves with Stand Alone, we aim to provide targeted support in these critical areas, ensuring that our estranged students receive the assistance they need to thrive in their academic journey and beyond.
Our collaboration with Stand Alone is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to addressing the multifaceted needs of our student community. We understand that the financial strain, the uncertainty of stable accommodation, the potential impact on mental health and well-being, and the feeling of isolation are all significant barriers that can hinder academic progress and personal development.
Our dedicated efforts are aimed at alleviating these challenges and creating a nurturing environment where all students feel supported and valued.
To this end, we have established a comprehensive support system tailored to the specific needs of our estranged students. Our support pages and dedicated online resources provide detailed guidance on navigating financial support, securing stable accommodation, and accessing mental health and well-being services. We recognize the importance of addressing these fundamental aspects to ensure that our students have the necessary support to focus on their academic and personal growth.
Additionally, we have appointed a designated an Initial Person of Contact, reachable via the email address Estrangement.Support@ncl.ac.uk, to provide direct assistance and guidance. This approach underscores our commitment to fostering a supportive and compassionate environment where we hope students can seek help without any reservations and have regular outreach keeping them informed of support available to them.
Anja Atkinson, Student Finance Adviser and Initial Person of Contact for Estranged Students
We encourage all colleagues and members of our university community to familiarize themselves with the resources available and actively engage with our support system.
By collectively addressing the financial, accommodation, mental health, and outreach challenges highlighted by Stand Alone, we can create a more inclusive and nurturing environment for our estranged students.
Our partnership with Stand Alone is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to supporting the well-being and success of all our students, particularly those who have experienced estrangement. We remain resolute in our dedication to building a community that celebrates diversity, resilience, and compassion. Together, let us continue to stand with our estranged students, ensuring that they have the necessary resources and support to thrive academically and personally.
If you are a student at Newcastle University and you’re estranged or facing the prospect of estrangement and you need support then please reach out to us for support at Estrangement.Support@ncl.ac.uk
Updated: May 2024
On 30 April 2024, the Stand Alone charity sadly closed. However, here at Newcastle University, along with other universities and colleges, sector bodies, third sector organisations and networks, we re-affirmed our ongoing commitment through signing the Stand Alone Legacy Pledge. We remain steadfast in our dedication to support estranged students in their academic pursuits, even in the wake of Stand Alone's closure.
We would like to extend our gratitude for the invaluable work Stand Alone has carried out over the years, advocating for, and aiding estranged students across the nation.
We encourage both current and prospective Newcastle University students to use our online resources or contact our dedicated Estrangement Support point of contact.
