From homelessness to belonging – “Clearing gave me a chance”

Psychology with Criminology student Ash Parker describes her Clearing journey
Ash Parker
Alan Stewart

Ash Parker didn’t get the A level grades she wanted, following a difficult path involving homelessness and mental health issues, and was unsure of what to do next.
But a strong sense of wanting to improve mental health support for others drove her towards psychology, and one call to the University of Plymouth’s Clearing centre was the chance she needed.
After being accepted on to a foundation year, she is now taking every opportunity in her Psychology with Criminology degree and is already making strides towards her future career.

I honestly thought uni was off the table for me.

Typical academic exams were a challenge – I actually had a panic attack during one of my A levels – and every time I had a plan it didn’t quite go through. 
Now, after a lot of hard work and getting into university through Clearing, I know I’m in the right place, and am really well supported to achieve what I want to.
Ash, from Surrey, left secondary school in 2018, and started a college course in animal management. Experiencing a decline in her mental health, she changed direction towards hair and beauty, but became estranged from her parents during that time and had to move to a homeless shelter.

I have anxiety and was living with chronic pain (later diagnosed as endometriosis) and found that whatever plan I had just wasn’t something I was able to see through.

I was accessing mental health support where I could, but the services weren’t consistent. I knew I wanted to pursue a career to help myself and others who might also be struggling.
Moving to her grandparents’ in Cornwall in 2020, she completed A levels in Law, Sociology and Psychology, and applied to a number of universities to do Psychology. But her grades weren’t what she wanted – not helped by a panic-attack mid-exam and a lack of academic support to retake – and again she found herself at a juncture.

Calling the Clearing hotline

Ash said:
“It’s horrible when you don’t do as well as you’d like in your exams, but I knew Clearing could be a lifeline.
“I chose to call Plymouth as I’d experienced how friendly and supportive they were at an Open Day.
“I applied for the foundation year and the process was so simple, I called, spoke to a lecturer and was accepted. I also managed to get student accommodation without any stress.”
Confirmation and Clearing centre 2024
Confirmation and Clearing call centre 
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Starting a foundation year

Ash was accepted onto a foundation year, which acts as a bridge at the start of a degree course, helping a student gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete their studies in their chosen subject.
The University of Plymouth offers over 50 different courses with foundation years across subjects from Psychology to Computer Science.

I was super nervous when I started but honestly, it’s been the best decision ever.

As I declared on my application that I had a disability, I received a call early in my studies from the University’s disability team to see how I was doing and remind me of the practical, financial and pastoral support available to me. 
I’ve been able to access a bursary and counselling, and it’s really made a difference to my experience.
Ash Parker (second from left) with PsySoc PsySoc

Achievements so far

Since starting her programme in 2022, Ash has:
  • Taken on the role of Media Secretary for the Psychology Society (University of Plymouth) – pictured above – supporting student engagement online, communication and raising over £200 for local charities
  • Created her own advocacy platform called "AshVSEndo", using social media to raise awareness and educate others about endometriosis
  • Signed up to the University’s mentoring programme and, working with her mentor, begun work with The British Psychological Society to help teachers recognise incel culture and misogyny within classroom settings
  • Decided she’d like to move to a career in educational or forensic psychology
  • Achieved consistently good marks in her studies

Chronic illness, disability or challenges at home don’t have to be taboo or set you back.

There are official pathways and support for people with disabilities and mental health issues, and culturally there’s no stigma. We’re all working hard and embracing the student experience, which may look different for each of us. 
I know there will be people out there thinking ‘what’s next?’ whether or not their exams went to plan, and it’s even more worrying when you know you need support for conditions or circumstances beyond your control. 
But Clearing is a great option to talk through what you need to, and be recognised for more than just the grades you’ve achieved. 
Clearing gave me a chance – and I want others to know they can do it too.

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