Wheatley unveils 50 bursaries to help people go to university and college

Scotland’s leading housing, care and property-management group has 50 education bursaries available for people living in Wheatley neighbourhoods.

The bursaries are worth up to £1500 for full-time students and £750 for part-time studies and will help support people on college and university courses.

The bursaries are worth up to £1500 for full-time students and £750 for part-time studies and will help support people on college and university courses.

Funded by the Group’s charitable trust, the Wheatley Foundation, the bursaries are available to people living in homes owned by one of Wheatley’s social landlords - GHA, DGHP, Dunedin Canmore, West Lothian Housing Partnership, Loretto Housing and Cube - and people who live in a home factored by or rented from Lowther.

Erin Kennedy, 29, is a DGHP tenant from Annan.

Erin has always dreamed of being a teacher, but didn’t quite get the grades she needed at school. She is now studying for a degree in Primary Education at University of Glasgow’s Crichton Campus in Dumfries.

She said: “The bursary has been a huge help to me this year. I was furloughed from my part time job, so the funding has helped cover some lost income. With so much remote learning this year it also allowed me to buy some of the recommended books as well as a new laptop.

“I would encourage others to apply for a bursary, as it has made such a big difference. It’s made studying a lot easier, and allowed me to have the resources I need at home to help me complete this year successfully.”

Sameer Khalid, a GHA tenant from Milton in Glasgow, received a bursary to study medicine at the University of St Andrews.

The 18-year-old, who has completed his first year, is able to fulfil his dreams of becoming a doctor thanks to Wheatley.

He said: “The bursary has really made a difference for me. Despite having the academic qualifications for the course, the financial side of things can be a big burden. Having the bursary has meant not having the stress of worrying about my finances and has let me focus on my studies.

“It has helped me meet the costs of living and studying in St Andrews. I’ve used it towards food, accommodation, books and resources for studying.”

More than 230 have been helped to go on to further education since the scheme launched in 2017.

Wheatley Foundation Director Lorraine McLaren said: “Over the last four years, we’ve been able to help hundreds of people from Wheatley communities go onto further education and take a step towards achieving their dreams.

“Through our range of social and economic programmes, the Wheatley Foundation tackles the barriers that people face growing up in poverty, creates opportunities and helps people achieve their ambitions.”

Customers living in Wheatley Group communities have until 30 June 2021 to apply.

For more information and to apply, email bursaries@wheatley-group.com.