Learners from the homelessness charity Single Homeless Project (SHP) have celebrated their achievements after completing the University of Chichester’s innovative From Adversity to University (A2U) course.
The group, who are all accessing homelessness services, attended a special ceremony to mark the successful completion of the programme, which has been delivered in partnership with SHP and supports access to higher education, employment and volunteering opportunities.
The Adversity to University initiative is founded on the belief that educational opportunity should be available to everyone. At its heart is the Bridging Course, a non-traditional programme designed to help participants recognise their potential and develop the skills needed to succeed at university.
Delivered in small groups, the course combines lectures, workshops and interactive discussions, drawing on participants’ experiences to build academic knowledge, confidence, critical thinking and employability skills.
The pilot programme ended in July and demonstrated the impact that education can have for people who have experienced difficult times. Following the success of the pilot, SHP plans to embed the course within its wider educational offering. Participants in the pilot will be undertaking an A2U training programme so they can mentor subsequent groups.
Students spoke about the difference the programme had made to their lives. One said: “It was a challenge that re-ignited my passion for learning. A2U brought a very diverse group together to learn, think, explore and form friendships.”
Another said: “Like some of the other students, I’d had a negative experience of education. This is the exact opposite. The subjects we learned about are very useful and relevant to recovery and growth. It gave me such a boost of confidence when I completed the course and got my certificate. I feel like ‘a door has opened’ to a something very new and exciting!”
A third added: “This was such a life-changing experience for me. It helped me believe in myself and humanity again. Knowing that there are good people wanting the best for others in this world was such a fantastic gift.”
Chris Smethurst, course tutor and civic engagement officer at the University of Chichester, said: “It was a pleasure to work with SHP and such an inspiring and committed group of students. I miss the learning and laughter and wish them well.”
Single Homeless Project helps more than 10,000 Londoners in crisis every year, supporting people to leave homelessness behind and build independent futures. The charity works with individuals at every stage of their journey, helping people access accommodation, improve their wellbeing, develop skills and confidence, and move towards employment, education and independent living.
Assistant Director at SHP, Joe Mitchell, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the University of Chichester bring this opportunity to our clients. For many people experiencing homelessness, their experiences of school and education can be difficult, so having a flexible, supportive introduction to university has been incredibly valuable. What’s been particularly exciting is seeing the confidence it has given participants, with people already taking different next steps in their learning, volunteering and employment. Chichester brought the academic expertise and the course, while SHP helped connect it to the experiences and needs of the people we support. It’s been a really positive partnership, and we’re excited to see where the next course takes us.”