Belonging and support through Arden Cares

Starting university is an exciting step, but it can also feel overwhelming at times, especially if you’ve experienced being in care.

That’s why we created Arden Cares. Arden Cares is a dedicated support service for students in the UK who have experience of foster care, residential care, kinship care, or who identify as care experienced or care leavers. Whether you’re thinking about applying or are already studying with us, the service is here to offer guidance, practical support, and a consistent point of contact throughout your university journey.

Support before you start university

If you’re considering university, you may have questions about how you’ll manage study alongside everything else going on in your life. We want you to know that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.

You don’t need to be sure about your status

Some students aren’t sure whether they’d be classed as care experienced or a care leaver, and that’s completely okay. If you’ve ever spent time in care or received support from children’s services, we’d encourage you to get in touch for an informal and confidential conversation.

There’s no pressure and no complicated process. The team can simply talk through your situation with you and explain what support may be available.

A simple, confidential conversation

You can contact the Arden Cares team at any stage, even before applying to university. The aim is to help you feel informed, supported, and reassured before your studies begin.

Email: ardencares@arden.ac.uk

Support throughout your studies

Once you join Arden, Arden Cares continues to support you throughout your degree. The support available is flexible and designed around your individual needs, because we understand that circumstances can change over time.

A dedicated point of contact

Students registered with Arden Cares have access to our Wellbeing Advisor, who works closely with students to provide guidance, answer questions, and help them access the right support when needed.

Sometimes support means helping with practical issues, while other times it may simply mean having someone to talk to who understands the challenges students can face.

Wellbeing and academic support

Arden Cares can also help connect you with wider university services, including:

Wellbeing and mental health support
Disability support services
Study skills guidance
Time management support
Academic advice

The aim is to make university life feel more manageable and help you build confidence as you progress through your course.

Building a community

University can sometimes feel isolating, particularly if you don’t have a strong support network around you. Arden Cares helps students connect with others who may have had similar experiences through peer networks, events, and opportunities to build friendships and community.

Having people around you who understand your journey can make a real difference.

Looking ahead to your future

Support doesn’t stop at your studies. Arden Cares also focuses on helping students prepare for life after university.

This can include careers guidance, mentoring opportunities, employability support, and internships to help you build confidence for the future and work towards your long-term goals.

Financial support

We understand that finances can be a major concern for many students.

Students registered with Arden Cares may be eligible for additional financial support, including the Care-Experienced Bursary and other forms of assistance. More information about available support can be found through the university’s Cost of Living resources.

Working with trusted organisations

Arden Cares works alongside national charities and support organisations, including Become, The Rees Foundation, and the Care Leaver Covenant.

These partnerships help students access additional advice, opportunities, training, and support outside of university, including help with employment, independent living, and understanding available rights and services.