'Legacy of Care’ in the context of Higher Education
Sean Murphey and Donald Simpson from Teesside University
This workshop provides an opportunity to challenge the stereotypes and
discuss the implication for universities and the care sector within the wider
policy context of a ‘Care Leaver Covenant’.
The ‘legacy of care’ in the context of HE has been shown to have negative material and affective ramifications, including financial limitations, pressures around housing, low self-esteem and high anxiety which can impinge on their academic performance and progression. For these students, childhood care and trauma affect trust and relationships; hindering a sense of belonging and ability to fit in within the HE community. However, as the workshop will reveal, past trauma did not prevent a future orientation. Rather past events appeared important in shaping a drive towards participation in undergraduate study and highlighted how care leavers were able to demonstrate strong motivational factors to achieve and succeed at university by drawing upon their previous experiences of care and its legacy. But does it really have to be this hard?
