In my experience as men's representative on student council, i have become aware of the overlooked and extremely complex issues that students who grew up in care can face at university. I firmly believe that those students deserve an experienced voice to represent them on Student Council to bring those issues to light in a forum that can effect university policy and make real change.
Care experienced students are much more likely to have serious mental health issues, including childhood trauma and PTSD, depression, anxiety and self esteem issues.
Many care leavers are unable to return home and recieved little or no support in getting to university. To many, success in university is the ticket out of a traumatic past, an opportunity to make their own way. This adds to the already monumental pressure of uni life.
Care experienced students and care leavers are also often at a significant educational deficit compared to other students, having had much less opportunity to study and achieve their potential due to moving to different houses, different families and different schools.
The challanges that care leavers and care experienced students face are colossal. I believe we should do everything in our power to support those who are struggling with complex needs and mental issues. A care experienced representative on student council is the first step to giving a suffering community the representation it needs to achieve real change.