Residential Success for Children in Care

During the month of June, LJMU Outreach welcomed 25 young people from schools across the North West Region to their annual Year 10 Residential, targeted specifically at those in local authority care.

The residential saw the 14-15 year old pupils spend two days, one night on campus staying at one of LJMU's many approved student accommodation sites. The annual event aims to give participants a real insight into student life, introducing them  to the concept of Higher Education - all whilst helping them see the inclusive nature that LJMU maintains.

The students took part in a range of educational and social activities from a city wide scavenger hunt to academic taster sessions delivered by the Forensic Science and Paramedic Practice Team. The final day saw participants perfect their culinary skills, creating homemade dishes with academics at the IM Marsh Food Academy. The afternoon then saw the students don their cap and gowns and graduate from the 2019 residential.  

When asked their favourite part of the residential experience:

" I liked everything but the crime scene was my favourite as i would like to be a detective in the future"              

" All the staff and friends made were nurturing and accepting"

" Everything! From the late night pizzas to the flapjack baking to the paramedic skills. It was all amazing" 

Local Authority staff also commented “ Such excellent care and support along with outstanding organisation. A great experience for YP to meet, greet and build lifelong relationships"

Organiser, Catherine Shillito (Account Manager, Student Recruitment &Admissions), commented “This event is just one of many targeted programmes we offer care-experienced young people. It highlights the need to offer groups who are under-represented in H.E, the opportunity to learn, develop all whilst realising their potential. Over the next year we will continue to arrange a series of inbound activities, as well as offering our school mentoring programme. The feedback from both students and staff  cements just how fundamental widening participation activities are, with the majority of attendees stating they are now more likely to apply to university”.

For more information about the Widening Participation work LJMU support, please contact Catherine Shillito at C.H.Shillito@ljmu.ac.uk  or call 0151 904 6364.

For more information on the support available for care leavers at LJMU please visit www.ljmu.ac.uk/imagine or contact Phil Bakstad P.Bakstad@ljmu.ac.uk