The award-winning collaborative partnership helping care-experienced people into further and higher education.
The HUB for SUCCESS was developed in recognition that students who are care-experienced often deal with complex life challenges that can make it much harder for them to get in, stay in, or return to college or university.
“Care-experienced people tell us that accessing higher education isn’t a simple process for them, and that when they have entered university, they can find it difficult to stay and achieve their goals,” explains Lorraine Moore, Manager of the HUB, who is care-experienced herself. “Traditional widening participation programmes have not been reaching them effectively, but the HUB is proving to be a game changer.”
A powerful partnership
The HUB is a multi-partnership between the City of Edinburgh Council and eight universities and colleges in the city and surrounding areas. Edinburgh Napier hosts the HUB and was a key driver in its creation, with research conducted by the University underpinning the concept. “It was clear that a one-stop-shop was needed, unrelated to any particular institution or organisation, to make it truly impartial and gain learners’ trust,” Lorraine explains.
A recent evaluation of the HUB concluded it is achieving wide-ranging impacts for care experienced learners, partner stakeholders, and broader policy and practice. Of the students it has supported in its first five years, 43% got into further or higher education – a significantly higher percentage than the national average for care experienced learners.
“The HUB helped me with a range of practical, emotional, and relationship-based support, and gave me the courage to believe that I could study for a degree,” comments Alistair Stewart, a care-experienced Student Ambassador for the HUB, who recently graduated from Edinburgh Napier with a first in International Festival and Events Management.
A model that works
Without family support, care-experienced students can experience greater isolation and loneliness and struggle more financially. “The HUB ethos is: ‘We believe in you, we’ll do all we can to support you, and if things don’t go to plan, we’ll help you to get back on track’ through tailored, bespoke support that makes a real difference,” explains Lorraine.
The partnership model of the HUB sees all partners being supported to work collaboratively and holistically with their care-experienced students. Acting together, as a co-ordinated voice, they also champion continuous improvement of local practice and policy development: “We work to ensure that the educational rights and challenges of those who are care-experienced are heard effectively,” Lorraine comments.
Recognition that this innovative model is transforming lives came via the Group Widening Access Award at The Herald Higher Education Awards as the HUB marked its fifth anniversary in 2024.
The Student Ambassador programme
At any one time there are between 18-24 active Student Ambassadors, all of whom are care experienced themselves and who have used the HUB to support their own educational journey.
“The Student Ambassador programme has been fundamental to scaling the reach of HUB support across the Edinburgh region,” explains Lorraine.
Trained and supported to fulfil their roles, Student Ambassadors are paid the Living Wage for the hours that they work. “This means they can reduce any part-time work they may have undertaken to financially make ends meet. It also recognises the crucial work they do, which as advocates for change, sees them engage with senior-level decision makers, speak at meetings and events, and get involved as members of working groups, all of which helps important projects to progress.”
A growing need for support
While the HUB partners help to fund its work, it is reliant on philanthropic support for aspects of its impactful work, such as the school intervention and Student Ambassador programmes. It also needs donations to fund its expansion and boost the numbers of care-leavers moving on to college and university.
“I supported the HUB because I am inspired by its mission to support those from care-experienced backgrounds to pursue education as a pathway to building an independent future,” comments donor June Boyle, who was Edinburgh Napier’s former Chair of Court. “The impact of the HUB is significant; I want to see it scale across Scotland so more care-experienced young people can realise their academic aspirations and truly flourish. I couldn’t imagine supporting a better cause.”
Donors also provide crucial support by funding bursaries, scholarships, or grants targeted at specific cost of living challenges, which the HUB directs to care-experienced students. “Many of us have benefited over the years from the support of family and friends. We supported the HUB because we wanted to help young people who have not had the same advantages,” commented a recent donor.