Carla Lockhart DUP MP has welcomed the expansion of the Alma Mater Fund into Northern Ireland.
The Alma Mater Fund provides financial grants to pregnant university students to support them in pursuing their academic and personal goals.
Welcoming the initiative, Carla Lockhart MP said: “This is a fantastic support initiative from SPUC, and I am very pleased that it is now being extended to Northern Ireland. Being pregnant while studying at university can be challenging, and it is vital that the best possible support is made available to both mother and baby.
“Both these lives are precious. And helping both lives fulfil their potential is what should be everyone’s priority.”
The initiative, launched by SPUC, aims to support pregnant and parenting students who, due to a lack of support, may feel unable to complete their degree and parent a child.
Since its launch in 2019, The Alma Mater Fund has been supporting students exclusively in Scotland. It has now announced its expansion into Northern Ireland.
Empowering students
According to the National Union of Students (NUS) only 11% of student parents report having enough money to cover expenses.
The Alma Mater Fund believes that pregnancy doesn’t have to be the end of an academic journey and with the right support, a woman can achieve the best for herself and her child.
Aparnna, a recent Alma Mater grant recipient, said: “I am extremely happy that the Alma Mater Fund empowers and strengthens a mother not to quit and instead helps her to strive forward and maintain a steady balance between motherhood and student life!”
Offering support
Margaret Akers, Alma Mater Fund Facilitator, said: “We are so pleased to be announcing the expansion of the Alma Mater Fund into Northern Ireland.
“The abortion law is changing in Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, it is often the case that as abortion access increases, support for women who chose to continue their pregnancies begins to decrease.
“We find the simple act of alleviating the financial pressures pregnant students face can help them have a whole new perspective. We want to empower these students and let them know it is possible to finish their degrees and have their children.
“We have had the great privilege of walking on this journey with pregnant and parenting students in Scotland, and we look forward to doing the same in Northern Ireland.”
Applying for the Alma Mater Fund
University students who are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy are eligible to apply for The Alma Mater Fund. It can provide financial grants to students to support them in pursuing their academic and personal goals.
The sum granted to students will be decided on an individual basis depending on their situation.
To apply for the grant, and to speak to the Alma Mater Fund coordinator a student can:
Call, text, or WhatsApp: 07849 088 244
Email: info@almamaterfund.org.uk
Message on Facebook: @almamaterfund
If you would like to donate towards The Alma Mater Fund to support pregnant students and their children please contact: info@almamaterfund.org.uk