Carers
Carers Trust Scotland define a carer 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.’ The college has adopted this definition.
Why Carers may need more support at college
Why Carers may need more support at college
College can be a tough time for students who also have caring responsibilities at home. Juggling the commitments of study with those responsibilities can often make student carers feel like they are being pulled in two ways.
If you let us know you are a carer we can offer assistance to support you through your time at college, like guidance, emotional support and a range of other things in between.
You may feel you don't need any support at first, but if things change and you find you are struggling with your studies, then don't hesitate to who are able to help.
We are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for our students with unpaid caring responsibilities, to ensure a positive experience whilst you are studying with us which enables you to successfully complete your course and undergo a worthwhile experience throughout your student journey.
Funding for Student Carers
Funding for Student Carers
If you receive your funding from SAAS, you may also be eligible for the Dependants' Grant, which is an income assessed bursary awarded to those with a husband, wife, partner, civil partner, or another adult who you act as a carer for. Full details, including eligibility and how to apply, can be found here.
New since 2019 is the Young Carers Grant which can be found on the Government website. It's a yearly cash payment of £300 for 16-18 year olds which carers can spend as they choose. You can claim if you are in further education, and may be eligible if you meet all of the following criteria:
- you live in Scotland
- you are 16, 17 or 18 years of age when applying
- caring for an average of 16 hours per week, over a 13 week period
- care for someone normally paid a qualifying disability benefit
- you have not applied for or receive Carer’s Allowance
- you are not paid or volunteer to care
Essential Student Skills resource
Essential Student Skills resource
You might find the Essential Student Skills interactive guidance materials useful, they were created to introduce students to various aspects of learning including using technologies, becoming an effective learner, core skills, assessment and more. There is no set order and no timeframe to work through them so you can go at your own pace - and all you need to access them is an internet connection.
Other resources
Other resources
Hope Support Services, a UK charity supporting young people when a loved one is seriously ill, have created a guide for university students which has been written by young people.
Further support and advice can also be found at: