Wellbeing and mental health support

Support for estranged and care-experienced students at Leeds

Coming to university as an estranged or care-experienced student can bring a mix of freedom, pressure, and uncertainty. Alongside studies and social life, you might also be managing things independently that others rely on family for.

It’s important to know: there is no single “right way” to experience university, and if you need support there are plenty of great services available to you. 

Reaching out for help 

It can be hard to ask for help, especially if you’re used to being independent or handling things on your own. You might worry about:

• “Taking up too much space”
• Feeling like your problems aren’t “serious enough”
• Not wanting to explain your situation repeatedly

But support services exist for you. Reaching out isn’t a burden, it’s exactly what these services are here for.

A different way to think about it:

• You don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming
• You don’t need the “perfect words” to ask for help
• You’re allowed to need support at any stage

Even a small step like sending an email or attending a drop-in can make things feel more manageable.

The services are here to help every student, and that includes you too! 

The Plus Programme: finding your community

The Plus Programme is designed to support students who may feel underrepresented or face additional challenges during university.

For estranged and care-experienced students, it offers:

• A sense of community with students who understand your experience
• Workshops and support (including wellbeing and financial confidence)
• Opportunities to build confidence and skills

This can be a space where you don’t have to explain everything as the team understand and are there to ensure you don't just survive at the University of Leeds, but that you have the tools to thrive. 

Support available at Leeds and across the city

There is a range of support available, whether you’re looking for practical help, emotional support, or just someone to talk to.

At the University of Leeds:

The University has plenty of services which can help you with a range of needs. 

Examples of support available include:

• Student Support Services that take care of your wellbeing, mental health support, and offer guidance
• Residence Life which is here to support you within your accommodation community through RLA and Warden contact and regular events you can attend throughout the year
• Plus Programme which provides tailored support for students who are underrepresented, including care-experienced and estranged students
• Student Advice team that offer independent advice on a range of issues such as budgeting and housing 

Further support:

However, you might need support from outside the University too. We have listed some useful local services below which may be able to help you.

If you are unsure where to start, you can get in touch with your Residence Life Assistants who will be happy to help. 

You don’t have to figure out which service is “right” on your own! If you reach out to one, they can help connect you to the right support.