Students from 23 universities were set to gather in central London (7 November) to celebrate the success and expansion of the Foyer/UNIAID accommodation bursary scheme. The scheme is supporting 63 students facing hardship during the 2007/8 academic year, providing them with a year's free accommodation.
The Foyer/UNIAID accommodation bursary scheme was launched in 2004 with a gift from UNITE, the UK's largest student accommodation provider.
Mark Allan, Chief Executive of UNITE Group said:
"We are proud to have seen the programme grow over the years. We are delighted to be working together with Foyer and UNIAID and the universities involved and hope that other student accommodation providers will be moved to follow UNITE's lead and give accommodation bursaries because it makes such a powerful and direct difference to people's lives. We now look forward to extending the scheme to Scotland."
Four years ago, Mike Shillingford was homeless. The UNIAID bursary enabled him to enter higher education and live independently. He is now in his second year studying law at Nottingham Trent University. He has also gone from 'Bursary to Board room' and is now UNIAID's student Trustee. He said:
"The bursary took a load off my shoulders after coming out of Foyer accommodation and it enabled me to focus more on my studies, without the worry of keeping a roof over my head. It was a lifeline when I needed it most."
Jane Slowey, Chief Executive of the Foyer Federation said:
"We'd like to extend a big thank you to all those who've made it possible - in particular to UNITE, who have given over £700,000 worth of prime student rooms over the last four years and Nottingham Trent University for setting a great example by being the first University to donate places.’"
Higher Education, for many Foyer/UNIAID Bursary students has provided a haven from homelessness, family breakdown or displacement. However, the cost of accommodation can be the deciding factor for many students, whether they remain in higher education or not.
Nottingham Trent University is the first University to donate places. The bursaries are now administered by the Foyer Federation, whose national network ensures that the support reaches those most in need. The importance of this national scheme has been recognised by the continued sponsorship of Universities UK, the body which represents Vice Chancellors in the UK.
Plans for next year - with the support of UNITE - include the introduction of places in Glasgow and Edinburgh.