University of Chichester course helps homeless learners build confidence and skills

Learners supported by homelessness charity Single Homeless Project have celebrated completing a University of Chichester programme designed to open up access to higher education, employment and volunteering.

The group, who are all accessing homelessness services, took part in the university’s From Adversity to University programme, known as A2U.

Participants attended a special ceremony to mark the end of the course, which was delivered in partnership with Single Homeless Project.

At the heart of the initiative is a Bridging Course aimed at helping people recognise their potential and develop the confidence and skills needed to progress into university or other opportunities.

Delivered in small groups, the course combines lectures, workshops and interactive discussions.

It is designed to build academic knowledge, confidence, critical thinking and employability skills, while also drawing on participants’ own experiences.

The pilot programme ended in July and, following its success, Single Homeless Project plans to make the course part of its wider education programme.

Those who took part in the pilot will also be offered A2U training so they can mentor future groups.

Students said the programme had helped rebuild their confidence in education.

One participant said: “It was a challenge that re-ignited my passion for learning. A2U brought a very diverse group together to learn, think, explore and form friendships.”

Another said: “Like some of the other students, I’d had a negative experience of education. This is the exact opposite. The subjects we learned about are very useful and relevant to recovery and growth.

“It gave me such a boost of confidence when I completed the course and got my certificate. I feel like 'a door has opened' to a something very new and exciting!”

A third student described the programme as “life-changing”, saying it had helped them believe in themselves again.

Chris Smethurst, course tutor and civic engagement officer at the University of Chichester, said: “It was a pleasure to work with SHP and such an inspiring and committed group of students. I miss the learning and laughter and wish them well.”

Single Homeless Project says it supports more than 10,000 Londoners in crisis every year, helping people move away from homelessness and towards independent living.

Its support includes help with accommodation, wellbeing, skills development, education and employment.

Joe Mitchell, Assistant Director at SHP, said the partnership had given people a more flexible and supportive introduction to university.

He said: “What’s been particularly exciting is seeing the confidence it has given participants, with people already taking different next steps in their learning, volunteering and employment.

“Chichester brought the academic expertise and the course, while SHP helped connect it to the experiences and needs of the people we support.

“It’s been a really positive partnership, and we’re excited to see where the next course takes us.”

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