Student Carers

Across the UK, 6.5 million people are carers. The 2011 Census figures from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland show there are more than 375,000 young adult carers in the UK aged 14–25, who are providing support and assistance to their families and friends. For a student who has caring responsibilities, trying to transition to, through and beyond university, can be extremely challenging and for some a barrier.

A carer is defined as “anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support. A carer is not a parent, unless they are caring for a disabled child, nor does it include caring responsibilities as part of a voluntary placement or paid work (e.g. child/pet minding) whether inside or outside the student’s course.”

Students who declare their caring responsibilities to Student Services will be supported in a number of ways, for example:

  • Providing access to specialist staff who can support them throughout their time at university.
  • Providing clear information to students and potential students about the content and nature of the course, the assessment methods, learning outcomes and professional body requirements, in order that the individual can assess how they can successfully study and care at the same time.
  • Ensure courses include procedures for supporting students e.g. offering longer part-time placements which could fit around caring responsibilities, considering extensions or extenuating circumstances where unexpected circumstances arise related to their caring responsibilities.
  • Ensuring flexible plans are in place to support a student whilst on any placement/off-campus learning event
  • Where appropriate, implement flexible arrangements in teaching and learning for those students who may need this due to their caring responsibilities.
  • Receiving additional financial support through the Access to Learning Fund

Please email wellbeing@uclan.ac.uk for more details of the support you could receive.