SERC Support for Carers Recognised in UK Awards Finals

Congratulations and good luck wishes to SERC’s student carer support team, whose Partnerships, Education, App, Recharge room (PEAR) project has been announced as a finalist in the Good for Me Good for FE Awards 2024.   

The Good for Me Good for FE Awards recognise college staff and students around the UK who go above and beyond for their local communities, and they honour a range of college-led social action initiatives The PEAR project has been shortlisted in the Project of the Year category.  

PEAR helps student carers at SERC balance their responsibilities at home with the demands of their college course. The project runs in partnership with the South Eastern, Belfast, and Northern Health and Social Care Trusts, and with Action for Children, to offer comprehensive support to student carers. This includes networking opportunities, initiatives to promote psychological well-being, and financial advice as well as offering flexible arrangements for study at SERC for those who may need to deal with emergency situations.   

As a result of engagement with student carers, recharge rooms have been established at SERC campuses in Bangor, Downpatrick and Lisburn. These rooms offer a therapeutic respite for student carers, to help meet their own needs and provide mental health support.

Winners of the Good for Me Good for FE Awards will be announced at a special ceremony at the House of Lords on Friday 6 December 2024.