Our Commitment
Forth Valley College (FVC) wants all students to be successful during their time studying here. We want everyone to gain a place on an appropriate course, learn new skills, gain qualifications and progress into a positive destination whether that be further education, higher education, training or employment. We want students who are estranged from their family to feel part of our learning community, enjoy the experience of being at college and truly thrive at FVC.
What does ‘Estranged’ mean?
Estranged students are young people studying without the support and approval of a family network. Young people in this position often have no contact at all with their family and have removed themselves from a dysfunctional situation.
We recognise that being estranged from family can present challenges to learning, and FVC aim to provide support that helps minimise the impact of those challenges.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to indicate if they are estranged via their college online application.
Telling us about your circumstances means our Student Support team will contact you to explain all the support available.
Support can include:
- Regular check-ins to see how you are progressing with your studies, and offer support towards your next steps after FVC
- Arranging a visit to the campus to help with orientation
- Access to additional FVC services, such as additional funding streams and the Time4Me Mentoring programme
- Help through the application process, including help with your personal statement
- Dedicated named contact: as soon as you tell us you are estranged, one of our Support and Guidance Advisors will be in touch. They will be your named contact throughout your time at college to offer support as and when you need it, including mental health and wellbeing services
Contact supportandguidance@forthvalley.ac.uk for more information.
StandAlone is an organisation that supports adults that are estranged from their family. For more information on support available including information for students, please visit their website here.