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At the University of Sunderland we aim to make sure that all students have the same full, immersive and enjoyable time while studying at university. We also understand that as a Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman or Boater (GTRSB) student, you may have specific questions about university, so we have a dedicated We Care Team to provide support.
If you identify as a Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman or Boater (GTRSB) student, our We Care Team can offer individual, bespoke support whenever you need it.
The We Care Team provides personalised support for all Home GTRSB students. Wendy Price, Head of Widening Access and Participation, is our dedicated contact for GTRSB students and is assisted by Nicola and Safeenah. The We Care Team can offer personalised support based on your individual needs. Meetings are confidential, and your choices are always respected.
The We Care Team can help you throughout your student journey, from accommodation to finance, as well as being a central point of contact for support throughout your studies. They’re happy to accompany you to university events, Open Days, Applicant Days, interviews, and graduation, supporting you wherever and whenever it’s needed.
If you are unsure what you may be eligible for, please contact the We Care Team on 0191 515 2216 or email GTRSB@sunderland.ac.uk.
As part of a national initiative, the University will make a firm commitment to take steps to support GTRSB students into and within Higher Education.
Read more about how the university supports GTRSB students.
As part of the University’s Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month Event Series, Richard O'Neill and George Hoyle have shared their unique insights into gypsy culture through story-telling and song.
Read more about how the University of Sunderland celebrated Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month.
The University of Sunderland has welcomed back award-winning storyteller, author, and playwright Richard O’Neill, and professional musician and songwriter George Hoyle, as part of its GRT History Month celebrations.
Read more about the online interactive ‘Story Into Song’ masterclass, which was streamed to schools across the country
Every one of our students is different and unique. That’s why we’ll work with you to create a personalised support package.
We can provide personalised support based on your individual needs. This could include the following:
We offer support with the following:
We aim to support you to make informed choices, settle in quickly at university, enjoy your student experience and achieve your potential. Meetings are confidential, and your choices are always respected.
I lead the We Care Team and our personalised support for GTRSB students. The We Care team can support you from your very first enquiry to graduation and beyond. I have almost 20 years of experience in supporting students to enter and succeed in Higher Education. I’m committed to ensuring that the support we provide exceeds the expectations of our students, so please let me know if there’s anything you think we can do to improve your student experience. I look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to the University of Sunderland and our We Care student community.
Hi, I’m Nicola and I work primarily in the We Care Team overseeing support to a wide range of applicants and current students from underrepresented groups. I’ve worked in widening participation and student recruitment for the last 15 years and I am passionate about ensuring everyone has the same opportunities to access higher education.
Hi, I’m Safeenah and I assist the We Care Team’s bespoke support for GTRSB students at the University. I am keen to ensure students have a positive experience through higher education and are supported to achieve their full potential. We can have regular catch-ups and discuss how your studies are going or support you with any needs you may have before, during, or after your time studying with us.
The University of Sunderland was among the first five universities nationally to sign the Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater into Higher Education Pledge in January 2021. Signing the pledge demonstrates the University’s commitment to support GTRSB students into and through Higher Education.
Read more about the University of Sunderland signing the pledge.
Find out more by visiting the GTRSB into Higher Education website.
When you enrol online as part of the University registration process, we will ask if you identify as a Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman or Boater student. This helps us to identify students who may need our support. The GTRSB Support Team are the only people who have access to this information. We respect your confidentiality and no one else in the University will be informed unless you choose to tell them.
If you choose not to share this information during enrolment then you can contact Wendy Price, or another member of the GTRSB Team on 0191 515 2216 or via email at GTRSB@sunderland.ac.uk to let us know that you are a GTRSB student.
A degree is challenging but rewarding, so we know that you may experience feeling overwhelmed from time to time during your studies. We can help you throughout any particularly stressful or difficult times by:
Our support doesn’t end when you graduate. We’re here to help with your next steps including everything from interview preparation to finding accommodation if you need it. Just get in touch and we’ll be there to help you every step of the way.
Graduation
We can offer you support in the run-up to and on the day of your graduation ceremony. Just let us know how we can help. We will cover the cost of your graduation gown and photo package, and even attend your academic awards ceremony to see you graduate if you would like us to. We’ll also contact you a few weeks before your graduation to check whether you need any support from us.
Dedicated Careers and Employability Support
The Employability and Enterprise Hub is here to support you with careers and employability advice. Whether you are looking for graduate opportunities or a part-time job over the summer, get in touch and we can refer you for one-to-one support from the team.
We understand that some students may encounter money worries at some point during their studies, but you’re not alone.
You may be entitled to:
As a Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman or Boater (GTRSB) student, you may be eligible for the University of Sunderland Bursary of £3,000. To find out if you are eligible and information on how to apply please see the University of Sunderland Bursary.
If you have any questions or need any further guidance you can contact Wendy and the We Care Team on 0191 515 2216 or by email at GTRSB@sunderland.ac.uk.
We have a range of scholarships and bursaries available, so get in touch if you need any help or advice in understanding what you may be entitled to. Find out more about what scholarships and bursaries we offer.
For further information or advice, please contact our Scholarships and Bursaries Team on 0191 515 2865 or by email at scholarships@sunderland.ac.uk.
This is the University’s hardship fund to help students who face unexpected costs, higher than expected costs, or serious financial problems for other reasons. The fund is open to UK, EU, and international students, and applications can be made once you have enrolled. You will need to provide supporting evidence for your application to be considered for an award. Priority groups of students for assistance from the fund include students with children, students who are unable to work, and final-year students experiencing financial difficulties. Find more information on the fund (and the application form).
For further information and guidance on your finances, please contact our Student Financial Guidance Team on 0191 515 2284 or email studentfinancialguidance@sunderland.ac.uk.
You can contact Wendy and the We Care Team on 0191 515 2216 or email GTRSB@sunderland.ac.uk.