BCU and St Basils launch podcast on homelessness barriers

Birmingham City University is exploring the barriers that homeless young people face in accessing higher education – as well as the steps needed to break down these walls. The university teamed up with homelessness charity, St Basils, in a bid to shed light on some of the heartbreaking realities young people are facing at the moment. It comes after the National Student Accomodation Survey 2026 revealed eight per cent of those who partook in the survey experienced homelessness as a student. This figure has slightly

increased from years gone by – with 2025 and 2024’s survey highlighting a figure of seven per cent. READ MORE: ‘Sikh community feels like it’s on trial after Henry Nowak murder – that shouldn’t be the case’ As part of its battle to tackle the barriers young people face in accessing higher education a podcast between Birmingham City University (BCU) and St Basils entitled ‘Removing barriers to education for young people with lived experiences of homelessness’ has been launched. Sophie, 22, a member of the

charity’s Youth Advisory Board sheared her experience on the podcast – after she was forced to move college when she became homeless at 17. “I was dealing with poor mental health and going into supported accommodation all while being a student,” she said. “There’s currently no support that is tailored for young people experiencing these challenges. It’s why having more opportunities to explain circumstances and early intervention is so important to encouraging young people to stay in education. “Safety isn’t just a physical feeling. It’s

having the strength to leave the house, go to college and keep hold of your aspirations.” Twenty-four-year-old Tadi, also a member of the Youth Advisory Board, described being forced out of college after experiencing homelessness and struggling to return to education. “There needs to be more help to get people back into education after a break. We don’t just need a safe space, we need more practical options that are easy to discover. “I want to choose how I am supported, not have a take

or leave it approach that most systems seem to use.” Dr Melanie-Marie Haywood, dean of students, also appears on the podcast, discussing how the University is becoming more student-centred in its approach. “It’s easy to label support for students, but harder to engage them,” said Dr Haywood. She added: “We find that students who have experienced homelessness or are currently estranged have a sense of pride and resiliency to solve problems on their own. “An institution or system shouldn’t be barriers in themselves. So, we’re

working with students and charities to-create support packages, such as a new personal tutoring programme. “BCU is setting the example. We want to help students feel empowered and model how higher education can provide support for their diverse student populations.” Marsha Blake, chief executive of St Basils went on: “Members of our Youth Advisory Board have facilities 25 podcast episodes as a way of sharing their experiences and learning. READ MORE: I visited what’s left of Newtown Wellbeing Centre – the people there have one

demand “Having an opportunity to share their experiences with mainstream systems and learn from different perspective is invaluable. “For those who are responsible for these systems, it’s an opportunity to learn what works, what doesn’t and how to be more inclusive “We are hugely appreciative of BCU’s commitment and contributions in making this such a valuable learning experience for all involved.”

Birmingham City University, St Basils, podcast, student homelessness, National Student Accommodation Survey 2026, Youth Advisory Board, higher education support, personal tutoring programme