Students with care experience are encouraged to indicate this on their UCAS forms to access vital support and opportunities in higher education
Wrexham: Mary Ainsworth, who works as an Entrepreneurship Assistant at the university, is encouraging students to ‘Tick the Box’ on their UCAS forms if they’ve spent time in care.
She shared her own story, saying that before starting her studies, she lived in a hostel in Manchester for two years. Just a month before her degree began, she had to leave the hostel.
Mary explained that if she hadn’t reached out to let the university know about her situation, she might have ended up homeless. Luckily, they let her move into the halls early.
She admitted that without that option, she really didn’t know where she would have gone. It’s a tough thing to think about.
Mary emphasized how important it is to ask for help, especially if you come from a background without much support. She said that once you find the courage to speak up, you’ll discover there’s help available.
Many young people from care backgrounds often feel that higher education isn’t for them, but it truly is. Care leavers should aim high and reach their potential, which is why ticking that box is so crucial.
Since graduating, Mary has worked at the university and has also lectured and taught. Plus, she started her own arts business.
Her journey shows that being care-experienced doesn’t have to hold you back. It’s all about having the courage to ask for the help you need.
The Tick the Box campaign was started by The Fostering Network, and you can find more info on their website.
