Go Higher West Yorkshire (GHWY) is proud to announce the launch of the country’s very first collaborative Stand Alone pledge, which is aimed at students studying without family support.

The document raises awareness about what support is available for estranged young people across our 13 member institutions. This includes whether they have named contacts, dedicated web-pages, and additional financial support.

It also provides a definition of estrangement so that more young people may self-identify and access the additional support that is available. The wording was agreed with Stand Alone, which is a national charity that raises awareness and offers support to people who are estranged from their family.

Work on the pledge is part of GHWY’s belief that no-one should be limited from accessing and succeeding in higher education because of their background. We recognise the extra challenges that young people face when they do not have family support and our responsibility to support them so they can make a successful transition to adulthood.

The document will be launched during Estranged Students’ Solidarity Week (22-26 November 2021). This will include online promotion as well as being shared with Local Authorities across the region.

Download the Stand Alone pledge below