The benefits of ticking the box

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When applying to higher education through UCAS, I came across a box asking if I was care experienced. At the time I didn’t know why they were asking me this, or why it was relevant, but I ticked it, because it was the truth and I have never felt ashamed to have this status.  

The university I applied for emailed to confirm whether I was care experienced, and I needed something to confirm this. But it was quick and easy, I just approached my local authority and gave them the details and dates of being in care, as well as providing my ID to confirm my identity. Soon after the letter confirming my care status was sent on to the university.   

Once at university, a support group was set up for care experienced people and I was shocked to only see myself and one other person attend. This made us reflect on how few care experienced people tick the box when applying for university and miss out on this positive support. 

The support on offer 

In terms of support, the university provided me with a mentor and financial support which included grant payments. The support I received was invaluable as during my studies I suffered with poor mental health due to forgotten trauma from when I was in care. This trauma started to resurface, and the university quickly offered me emotional support to help me deal with this trauma and lesson support whilst continuing my studies.  

On reflection, if I hadn’t ticked the box, I would have not received the help I needed during my studies, as well as the extra support to help me deal with my trauma. I would have ended up withdrawing from my studies until I felt mentally strong enough to reattend.  

Thanks to the support provided however, I was successful in my studies and received a 1:1 BSc hons in Health Studies. This has been my second greatest achievement in my life, with being a parent as the first.  

The stigma around care experience 

Some do not like to tell people they are care experienced for a fear of being singled out. Many have felt like they have been singled out throughout their childhood, and becoming a young adult means they now have the choice not to be anymore. But you need to know that ticking the box isn’t to single you out or feel ashamed of your status, but a way to get support that will be positive and beneficial.  

I hope my story helps others to consider this option and make care experienced people aware of the support available and benefits at university when they tick the box. Also, to make sure people know that the support is there if they need it, and it is not compulsory. Instead, ticking the box allows you to have the choice and the option for the support to be waiting for them when it’s needed.  

By Nicola