Cumbrian students will continue to benefit from the Hello Future partnership, thanks to confirmation of the final year of funding until July 2021, announced by the Office for Students.
Part of the national Uni Connect programme, Hello Future is a partnership of universities, further education and skills providers, working together to deliver impartial advice, guidance and activities across Cumbrian communities, schools and colleges; to support access to higher education.
The partnership, led by the University of Cumbria, is adapting several of their activities into online digital formats as well as creating new resources for students, parents and carers and teachers and advisors to provide support during this time. This includes working closely with the Cumbrian colleges and Cumbria LEP on a project to support transition and next steps for year 11 and year 13 students.
The Hello Future website has a large range of resources about higher education choices and curriculum-linked information, which can be accessed to support home schooling. As the programme’s face-to-face trips and residentials are no longer able to take place this summer, they have developed online organiser packs and digital information tool kits that can be downloaded by schools, colleges and community groups. This will provide essential information and advice on planning future trips and projects for students at a point in time when restrictions are lifted.
The digital resources and activities will launch from 1st June across its website and social media platforms, each week focusing on a themed area; Communication, Student Life, Study Well, Growth Mindset and Your Future. Pre-recorded elements of the Hello Future workshops and presentations, along with supporting booklets and materials, will be shared across the website and social media channels.
Lisa Jackson, Hello Future Programme Manager said: “As we live through these uncertain times, students across the county who were getting ready to take their next steps into higher education might now have questions and worries. As well as the digital resources, we are introducing a chat function to our website where anyone can get in touch with us for information and support. The team will answer questions or arrange a follow up conversation with one of our partners, locally or further afield, to provide tailored support for individual situations.”
“We are here to ensure that students can find the information they need to make informed decisions. The partnership is here to help and the confirmation of our funding until July 2021 ensures that we can continue to provide impartial higher education access support across Cumbria.”
The Hello Future partnership is led by the University of Cumbria, together with BAE Systems, Carlisle College, Cumbria County Council, Cumbria LEP, Edge Hill University, Furness College, Kendal College, Lakes College, Lancaster University, Lancaster & Morecambe College, Myerscough College, Newton Rigg College, NHS Better Care Together, University of Central Lancashire and the React Foundation.
