LJMU residential for young people
LJMU Outreach has welcomed young people from 12 schools across the north west to its annual Year 10 residential, targeted specifically at those in local authority or residential care.
The residential saw 14-15 year old pupils spend two days and one night on campus staying at one of LJMU-approved student accommodation sites. The annual event aims to gives participants a real insight into student life, introducing them to the concept of Higher Education and demonstrating the inclusive nature of LJMU.
The 20 students took part in a range of educational and social activities from a city-wide scavenger hunt to taster sessions in sport delivered in LJMU’s sports building and a mock trial within our School of Law.
The following day saw pupils hear from a current LJMU care leaver, speaking of her time in care and the dedicated package of support offered by the university. One participant said he recognised that, at LJMU, there are "people who can support me in life issues so that I can live in a stable life”.
A teacher from Oldershaw Academy commented: "I wanted to say a huge thank you for looking after our students so well. They had an amazing time and spoke about it non-stop until they left school! The experience has had a positive impact upon their self-confidence, self-esteem, friendship and of course they all want to go to university, too.”
Catherine Shillito, Account Manager, Student Recruitment and 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 higher education the opportunity to learn and develop, with the goal of realising their potential.
"The feedback from both students and staff cements just how fundamental activities such as these are, with the majority of attendees stating they are now more likely to apply to university.”
For more information about LJMU’s widening access work, email the Outreach team.
You can find more details about the support available for care leavers at LJMU here or by emailing the team.
