Care-experienced students often face unique challenges when transitioning into higher education, including navigating university life without the support of a family network. Greenwich Friends was created to address this gap, offering tailored peer mentoring that begins even before students arrive on campus.
In 2024/25, the university welcomed 120 care-experienced students - one of the highest intakes in England. Of these, 38% engaged with Greenwich Friends. Students with mentors had a withdrawal rate of just 2.5%, compared to 11% among those without.
Mentors, who are trained student ambassadors, connect with offer holders from May, providing guidance on everything from student finance and registration to wellbeing services and local authority support. Unconditional offer holders and students with complex needs receive mentoring from July, while conditional offer holders are matched after results day.
Beyond administrative support, mentors help students build a sense of belonging by offering campus tours, attending Welcome Week events, and encouraging participation in university life. This ongoing support continues throughout the academic year, fostering connection and confidence.
Chris Colson, Greenwich Cares Manager, says: “Every day, I see the difference our student mentors make in the ways they support care-experienced students during the transition to university life. I am so proud that their work, and that of our brilliant staff team, has been recognised by Times Higher.”
The awards take place in Edinburgh on Thursday 13 November.
