Films show young residents greatly benefit from university scholarship

Students living across London and the South East are reaping the rewards of an L&Q university scholarship worth £18,000, according to three films published today.

The films chronicle the experiences of three ambitious young residents – Adam, Che and Yvanah - from the start of their university degrees to now.

The Turlogh O’Brien programme, which has a total value of over £400,000, was launched by the leading housing association to give young residents from financially excluded households an accessible route into higher education.

Since it launched in 2017, 23 students who may not otherwise have gone on to higher education, have been able to study at a university of their choice.

The programme is named after L&Q’s previous Chairman of nine years, who was a passionate advocate for social housing and higher education.

Whilst the initiative targets a specific group, L&Q residents living in social or affordable rented properties, is it is open to people looking to study whatever subject they like.

The funding consists of three annual £6,000 contributions towards the students’ tuition fees and includes an optional paid month-long internship with L&Q in the second year of their studies, worth £2,000.

The programme is just one example of how L&Q is working to ensure young people living near our developments are equipped with the skills, knowledge and attitude to thrive in life, as they continue to invest in communities through their £250m Foundation.

Established in 2011, the Foundation offers residents direct help with many problems arising from current pressures, focusing on key issues such as work and training, loneliness and wellbeing, digital skills, debt and financial exclusion.

Over the past five years, the Foundation has invested £30 million in projects and funding, generating £104 million in social value, while helping 2,734 residents sustain their tenancy through access to free financial support, and assisting over 2,661 people into paid employment.

Read and watch case studies from our scholars and listen to their experiences of the programme.

Aisha Chaudhry, Strategic Project Manager at L&Q Foundation, said:

“The Turlogh O’Brien programme was set up so that residents from all backgrounds could be given the chance to access a life-changing educational opportunity at their chosen university.

We know the power of education to transform lives, particularly for those lacking the means to go to university, and these films reaffirm the profound impact that access to higher education can have on someone’s life chances.

It’s great to see Adam, Che and Yvanah flourishing in their new environments, and I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for them, and all our other scholars.”

Matthew Corbett, Director L&Q Foundation, said:

“As a charitable housing association, we have a vital role to play in improving quality of life and equity of opportunity, by ensuring that residents are empowered, not excluded, by their housing.

Our Turlogh O’Brien scholarships do just that – providing opportunities for young people to reach their full potential, to be supported and hopeful, and able to imagine and plan for a better future.

As with all of our social programmes, the impact lies in the feedback, and we are delighted to hear how the funding has helped Adam, Che and Yvanah to boldly pursue their career ambitions.”