Get help with your next steps
Moving UP has been co-created with University of Portsmouth students that have their own lived experiences of living without parental support.
Individual experiences of care can impact people in many different ways. If you're living without the support of a family or network, you're not alone. Moving UP is here to give you advice and guidance on all the important big steps in your life.
Find helpful information that's relevant to you
Thinking about going to university? Or in the middle of exciting future plans? Our students will help you prepare for what's ahead.
Coming from all walks of life – their voices will guide you through things like living independently after leaving care, getting student finance support after separating from your parents and lots more. Check out their stories below.
Student stories
Going from foster care to living independently
I started living alone for the first time while at uni. Moving away from home and my foster carer was a big change and sometimes a little uncertain.
Living with peers at uni as an estranged student
Getting to know lots of new people while living without parental support took a while to get used to, but it was so rewarding
Placement experiences as a care leaver
Whilst working in a new industry, I did not know what to expect but I soon realised that you can grow even in the most unexpected environments.
My four years at university transformed me
I learned how to release the fun, humorous side of myself, and I have motivation and strength that I can channel into my ambitions.
From Our Experience' podcast series
Going to uni is about knowing where you're at, and where you're headed. You may be wondering what university's like, or where to live, or how much everything costs. In this new podcast series, current students talk about their own experiences of overcoming these challenges whilst living without parental support covering lots of topics.
Working with care experienced and estranged students?
If you're a professional working with young people have care experience, then we’d love for you to join us at our annual information event.
The aim of the event is to support the supporters. That could be anyone working as a foster carer, a social worker, a designated teacher or anyone else supporting young people. With themes put forward by students themselves, and their voices shared throughout, we collaborate to develop understanding, as well as to provide support, guidance and ideas for the future.
For more information and to register your interest, please contact Kim Skinner, Outreach Coordinator kimberley.skinner@port.ac.uk