Fundraising news
Find out about the people who benefit most from your donations and get closer to their stories.
Harnessing resilience
By: Emma Wigmore
Last updated: Saturday, 5 April 2025
Jake Ryan
Starting university is a big step for anyone, but for care leavers, individuals who have spent time in the foster care system or other forms of out-of-home care, the transition to independence comes with extra challenges. Without the safety net of family support, they often face financial struggles, mental health pressures, and the uncertainty of navigating higher education on their own.
At Sussex, we’re committed to changing that. Thanks to the Sussex Fund and the generosity of the Rudd Family Foundation, we provide care leavers with a comprehensive support system to help them thrive both academically and personally.
Your donations make a real difference—covering essentials like gym memberships, cash awards, and transition gifts to support students through the summer holidays. They also provide a special graduation package, ensuring that every student can celebrate their academic achievements with their peers without financial worries.
“The package of support I’ve received has been a blessing,” says Jake Ryan, a foundation year and care-experienced student at Sussex, who believes the support has positively impacted his life. “The great welcome box I received on arrival at Sussex included pens, notebooks, and a weighted blanket to help combat anxiety and aid sleep, which I love.
“Being given gym membership is probably even more of a blessing. Besides the physical benefits, it's very good for my mental health - andI haven’t had to stress about finding the money to pay for it. Thanks to the financial help that I’ve been given, I can do a decent food shop when I need to. I do have to budget, but it’s less of a worry for me than for some other students. Eating well is so important when you’re studying hard and training at the gym.
“Thank you to all those who have given to the Sussex Fund, as well as to the Rudd Family Foundation. You have made a huge difference to my university experience and are helping me to succeed in my academic journey.”
For care-experienced students, university isn’t just about overcoming obstacles—it’s also about harnessing resilience, building a community of support, and paving the way for a brighter future. At Sussex, we believe that background should never be a barrier to education or success.