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This National Care Leavers’ Week, City St George’s celebrates the achievements of students with care experience and highlights the work of City Cares

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“My life experiences with my family and their mental health have made me interested in the way our minds work. That made me want to study Psychology,” said Emily Baugh, 18.

Emily lives with her grandmother in South London and has recently joined City St George’s, University of London to study BSc Psychology.

As a care leaver, Emily said her journey to accepting her upbringing has been complex. “Living with my nan, I feel like I’m more on the blessed side compared to other people in similar situations to me.”

Emily said she wants to be a good role model to her younger siblings

“When I was younger, I felt a bit ashamed and confused about having a non-traditional family and living in a non-traditional household. But now, I’ve come to terms with accepting it and I don’t see it as a challenge.”

My experiences have shaped me, my independence and my pride. It’s made me want to be a good role model to my younger siblings.

While Emily has been able to access a bursary and further support from City Cares, the University’s dedicated support network for care-experienced students, she commented on the lack of support at a local and government level for care leavers in the UK.

“Once you turn 18 as a care leaver, getting support from local boroughs can be a nightmare. I felt like I was left alone. I didn't know who to go to and I didn't know where to go next.

“I became more resourceful and applied to university and now I’m here. I feel more independent now than I did before. It’s an exciting time but I’m also nervous.”

“At City St George’s, we have access to hardship funds and it’s nice to know that if you need that it’s there. My designated staff member emailed me charities I could visit online offering information and advice.”

City Cares supports care-experienced students, alongside estranged students and young adult carers at City St George’s, University of London.

Michel Salamouni, City Cares adviser, said:

At City St George's we are keen to reduce the gap in access, retention, attainment and progression between care-experienced students and their peers.

City Cares provides financial support and ongoing pastoral and academic support to ensure our students have a smooth experience in university and can thrive and achieve their highest potential.

We are celebrating our care-experienced students through National Care Leavers' Week and hope to raise awareness of the challenges many face.”

Find out more about the City Cares bursary.

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