Support for Student Carers
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour who could not manage without this help because of frailty, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability. If you are caring for someone whilst studying, we recognise that juggling all of this can be very difficult.
Your role as a carer will depend on the person you care for but could include:
Practical household tasks (cooking, cleaning, washing up, ironing, dealing with correspondence and financial management)
Personal care (bathing, dressing, lifting, administering medication, collecting prescriptions, support to attend medical appointments)
Emotional Support (listening, offering advice and friendship, keeping an eye on the person you care for to ensure their personal safety)
Disclosure of Carer Status
The University actively encourages students to disclose their Carer Status using the opportunity on the UCAS application form or during the enrolment process.
Support Package
Due to the unpredictable nature and demands of caring roles, students may be provided with a Carers Support Plan that provides leeway in relation to assignment deadlines, tutor contact and attendance but not exams. The plan may consider or suggest adjustments but will not make recommendations around placement support, international visits, field trips or residential requirements as we recognise that these may be difficult to put in place.
You may require a Parking Permit in order to ensure you can meet your caring responsibilities. If so please contact Student Advice & Wellbeing for more information.
Financial Support
Student Carers are recognised as a Priority Group for the BGU Learning Fund. The BGU Learning Fund provides discretionary assistance to students to help them access and remain in Higher Education. For more information, please contact Student Advice & Wellbeing. Additional funding may be available through the BGU Bursary for student carers. (See evidence below). For more information, please contact Student Advice & Wellbeing. Please note if you are a carer in receipt of Carers’ Allowance you will be unable to continue claiming this support when in full time studies at university. Other benefits may also be affected by full time funding.
Evidence
The evidence that is needed to enable the carer support coordinator to write a support plan for you whilst at university must document the caring role of the student not the condition of the person being cared for:
- A letter from a Doctor or Consultant detailing the caring role
- A local authority carer assessment
- A letter from a Carers Centre
- DWP correspondence regarding withdrawal of Carers Allowance due to starting University
- A solicitors letter
- A letter from Carers FIRST
Carers FIRST is a national charity with up to date information and advice on:
- Money and benefits
- Practical help
- Looking after yourself
- Conversations with GPs, hospitals and social care professionals
- Support for now, the future and emergencies
Carers FIRST 2nd Floor, 28 Market Place, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6LR
www.carersfirst.org.uk
Tel: 0300 303 1555
Email: hello@carersfirst.org.uk
Bishop Grosseteste University have Student Carer Champions who work in collaboration with Carers FIRST.
