3 Oct 2019
Dunelm offers a helping hand to care leavers joining Loughborough University
Loughborough has joined forces with the homeware store Dunelm to give care leavers starting at the University this academic year an extra helping hand.
Dunelm has provided the University with special ‘starter packages’ that contain quilts and pillows, cooking essentials and towels, as well as a Dunelm gift card.
The packages have been designed to ensure the new students have all the essentials they need for campus life.
Rachel Third, Head of Philanthropy at Loughborough University added: “I was shocked by a quote from a national charity for care leavers that said a young person leaving care is statistically more likely to go to prison than university. So those who have joined us at Loughborough this month have overcome enormous challenges and done extremely well to take up a place in higher education.
“We want to send a message that care leavers are welcome at Loughborough and that we recognise the additional challenges they might face compared to their peers. While many undergraduates come to university having gone shopping with mum and dad for new sets of kitchenware, bedding, stationery etc to take with them to university, or at least can borrow these items from their parents’ or carers’ homes, care leavers often will not have any of these things.
“We would like to thank Dunelm for their kind support, which will help ensure students joining Loughborough from care have everything they need to start their university journey.”
Angela Porter, Marketing Director at Dunelm said: “Our brand purpose is to help everyone create a home they love, and we really hope these starter packages will give Loughborough students the opportunity to have the best start for the future.”
Veronica Moore, Loughborough’s Head of Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity said: “We know that starting university is exciting for all students, but it can also be an anxious time, particularly if there isn’t the support of family to help with the planning and expense. The starter packages from Dunelm will mean that there is one less thing for these students to worry about and will contribute to care leavers at Loughborough experiencing a successful transition to student life.”
As well as providing the starter packs, Dunelm also offers students from the University placement opportunities at its Leicester headquarters.
Care leavers interested in joining Loughborough can apply for bursaries and access a range of support packages. Further information on this can be found here.
Pictured from the left is: Loughborough Students' Union Welfare and Diversity Executive Officer, Matt Youngs; the University's Head of Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity, Veronica Moore; and Alice Springthorpe from Dunelm.