Following the first lockdown, EBSF heard that a number of care-leaver students were either stranded in emptying university accommodation (as other students returned home) or facing unexpected travel and living costs as a result of having to return to hostel accommodation or foster homes.
Accordingly, the Trust advertised an emergency fund to help care-leavers, as well as an advice service (called the EBSF “befrienders”) to give advice where needed.
During the spring and summer we provided emergency funds totalling £1850 to 10 young people. The typical payment was £100 or £150. We made payments for books, printers, travel and utility costs. We also provided advice to a number of the applying care-leavers.