University News Last updated 09 June
Birmingham City University (BCU) has teamed up with local charity St Basils for a powerful new podcast examining how universities can better support students who have experienced homelessness.
The episode, titled ‘Removing barriers to education for young people with lived experiences of homelessness’, forms parts of St Basil’s Youth Voice podcast series and explores the barriers that homeless young people face in accessing higher education and the practical steps institutions can take to break them down.
Twenty-two-year-old Sophia, a member of the charity’s Youth Advisory Board, shares her experience on the podcast. She was forced to move college after becoming homeless at 17.
“I was dealing with poor mental health and going into supported accommodation all while being a student,” she said.
“There’s currently no support that is tailored for young people experiencing these challenges.
“It’s why having more opportunities to explain circumstances and early intervention is so important to encouraging young people to stay in education.
“Safety isn’t just a physical feeling. It’s having the strength to leave the house, go to college and keep hold of your aspirations.”
Research by Save the Student found that 7% of university students in 2024 had experienced homelessness while studying – underlying the scale of the issue.
Dr Melanie-Marie Haywood, Dean of Students, also appears on the podcast, discussing how the University is becoming more student-centred in its approach.
“It’s easy to label support for students, but harder to engage them,” said Dr Haywood.
“We find that students who have experienced homelessness or are currently estranged have a sense of pride and resiliency to solve problems on their own.
“An institution or system shouldn’t be barriers in themselves. So, we’re working with students and charities to-create support packages, such as a new personal tutoring programme.
“BCU is setting the example. We want to help students feel empowered and model how higher education can provide support for their diverse student populations.”
The collaboration aligns with BCU’s Strategy 2030 commitment to driving meaningful change in local communities and cultivating prosperity in Birmingham and beyond.
Marsha Blake, Chief Executive of St Basils said: “Members of our Youth Advisory Board have facilitated 25 podcast episodes as a way of sharing their experiences and learning.
“Having an opportunity to share their experiences with mainstream systems and learn from different perspective is invaluable.
“For those who are responsible for these systems, it’s an opportunity to learn what works, what doesn’t and how to be more inclusive
“We are hugely appreciative of BCU’s commitment and contributions in making this such a valuable learning experience for all involved.”
Twenty-four-year-old Tadi, also a member of the Youth Advisory Board, described being forced out of college after experiencing homelessness and struggling to return to education.
“There needs to be more help to get people back into education after a break,” he said.
“We don’t just need a safe space, we need more practical options that are easy to discover.
“I want to choose how I am supported, not have a take or leave it approach that most systems seem to use.”
You can listen to the episode on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Photo: Zed (L) and Sophia (R), members of St Basils Youth Advisory Board