Responding to a HEPI Debate Paper by Greg Hurst on the role of universities in ending homelessness, Director of the UPP Foundation, Richard Brabner said:
“Whether it is more research, the role as an employer, access to degrees or changes to the curriculum, Greg Hurst’s report shines a light on the important role universities could play in tackling homelessness nationally and locally. The Adversity to University course run by the University of Chichester and supported by the UPP Foundation, featured in the report, is one such example. Over 30 people have benefited from the course in three years, with several going on to study for a degree or further qualification. This scheme proves what a difference can be made if it is the right idea and the right partnership. We would be delighted if other universities adopted a similar approach.”
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Notes to Editors:
- The UPP Foundation was created in 2016 by UPP the leading provider of on campus student accommodation infrastructure and support services in the UK. The UPP Foundation is a registered charity that offers grants to universities, charities and other higher education bodies.
- The UPP Foundation provided a grant to the University of Chichester to develop the Adversity to University course, and in November 2021 co-published a toolkit to support other universities to develop similar schemes https://upp-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Bridging-module-toolkit-UofC-and-UPP.pdf
- Professor Mary Stuart, Emeritus Vice-Chancellor, University of Lincoln and Trustee of the UPP Foundation wrote the Foreword to the HEPI Debate paper explaining her personal experiences with homelessness.
