We know that every student’s situation is different, and we’re here to work with you to discuss support that fits your needs.
A caring responsibility refers to those who care, unpaid, for a family member or friend who has an illness or disability, a mental health condition, or an addiction. This support is provided on a regular basis and does not include parental responsibilities
Juggling your studies alongside your caring role can take thought and planning, and we’re here to help you find a balance that works for you. Our aim is to make sure you feel supported, confident, and able to get the most out of your university experience.
Here are some ways we might be able to help:
Pre-Entry Support
To support students during their exploration and application to HE, our dedicated pre-entry point of contact in the Widening Access and Student Success Team can offer bespoke information and advice to young adult carers on accessing higher education and can work with students on a 1 to 1 or group basis.
The team can also visit students in their own school or college, as well as organise bespoke tailored visits to the University campus to meet with current students and staff.
Dedicated 1-1 pastoral support
The Student Support Team are on hand to support you. At Edge Hill we’ll be here to support you from the very start of your studies or apprenticeship programme. You can even access support before you get here. There’s also pastoral support available whilst you’re here.
If you are struggling or need additional support from our Wellbeing or Money Advice Teams, we’ll connect you with them for extra support.
You may also wish to access support to help you navigate the challenges that come with university life, connecting you to support and services to help you succeed.
If you’ve got some questions or you’re after some extra support, drop the team an email at [email protected].
Careers support
When you study with us, you’ll have access to our Careers Team. You can chat to the team about employability opportunities during and after your studies. And the support doesn’t stop after your graduate. You can keep in touch with the team for three years after you graduate.
As a young adult carer, you are part of the widening participation group. This means you get access to ‘Get Ahead’ appointments with the Careers Team. In these appointments you can:
get the support you need to help you reach your goals
get support writing your CV
get support making job applications
chat about anything careers related
‘Get Ahead’ appointments are 30 minutes long and will be with your dedicated Employment Adviser. Your Employment Advisor will also support you in accessing additional guidance from a Careers Adviser when needed.
people who care for, or look after, a family member, friend or other individual, due to disability, chronic or terminal illness, mental health difficulty or drug/alcohol dependency or another reason
If you are a Young Adult Carer and you would like to meet with the Student Support Team to discuss support available to you during your studies, you can book in for a chat with our advisors here: https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/service/student-support-portal/ (Can we have the link as a book an appointment button)
Car Parking Permits
Edge Hill University offers priority consideration for car parking permits to students who have caring responsibilities.
If this applies to you and you’d like to explore your options, you can book in for a chat with one of our Student Support Advisors. We’re here to help you understand the application process and discuss support during studies.
If you’d like to ask us any questions please do get in touch at [email protected].
Appointments
The Student Support team offer a mix of in-person and virtual appointments.
Studying full time may have an impact on your eligibility to access Carers Allowance. Usually, full-time students are not eligible to claim Carer’s Allowance. If you are already claiming Carers’ Allowance prior to starting your degree, your eligibility for this benefit will cease when you enrol. It is important that you ensure to notify the Benefits Agency that you have started full-time study to make sure you do not receive any overpayment.
Don’t struggle in silence. If you’re ever financially struggling and are worried you can’t afford to stay at university, there’s a Student Support Fund on offer for eligible students. The fund offers non-repayable awards and emergency support for students in financial difficulty.
