STAY service enters fourth year of providing support for learners in the Glasgow college region

Care-experienced learners will receive additional support at Glasgow colleges for a fourth year, thanks to Action for Children's STAY service. 

Since launching in 2019 with Glasgow Colleges' Regional Board and West College Scotland, the STAY service has expanded significantly. Over 800 vulnerable, care-experienced or estranged students in the Glasgow college region have received additional support to help them fulfil their potential while studying at City of Glasgow College, Glasgow Clyde College and Glasgow Kelvin College. 

19-year-old Nikita Kozminykh left school at the age of 15 and returned to education earlier this year to study a business course at City of Glasgow College. 

Speaking of the support he received from the STAY team, Nikita said: "It's much better than I ever thought. My support worker, Gillian, has helped me look for work and speaks to student advisors on my behalf. We have chats about life and she helps me feel better about situations. I plan to study a HNC or HND then to progress to university. I want to keep studying and to get as much out of education as possible."

STAY mentors worked throughout the summer period with around 120 pupils to support the transition from school to starting college courses in August and a further 50 continuing students in Glasgow. 
The partnership team now also works with Glasgow City Council's Towards Better Futures campaign, as well as The Robertson Trust, who fund, support and champion those seeking solutions to poverty and trauma. The service has also expanded to Edinburgh College, with support staff joining the college in April 2022. 
Marlyn Davidson has been with the STAY service since its inception and is the practice team leader, managing support staff across the Glasgow colleges.

Marlyn explained: "Working alongside the partners in the college, the support we provide is absolutely crucial. The support goes beyond the college walls as we help students with mental wellness, financial support, housing and more. We do everything we can to ensure young people get their fair chance to sustain their place at college. 

"We couldn't have done this without the support from Glasgow Colleges' Regional Board and the colleges. It's a privilege to be part of this service and to work closely with our partners. Together, we're making a real difference." 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met the first care-experienced students to benefit from the service in 2020 at Glasgow Kelvin College to show her support for the 'vital' initiative.

Read more about how the service has developed since launching and the support in place for Glasgow's learners.