Caring responsibilities at home?
More than 8,500* young people in Northern Ireland currently take on an unpaid caring role, impacting on their education, well-being and career.
We feel it is important that Student Carers studying at SERC are supported throughout their course. We understand that Student Carers face many barriers to full engagement in college life and learning and we want to help them overcome these to achieve their best result from their time with us.
We have a dedicated team to offer help and advice. Students can identify as Student Carers using the online application form or by contacting studentcarers@serc.ac.uk. This support is available to carers of all ages.
We understand Student Carers may need time out to call home, extra time to complete assignments, and information about their rights and the welfare services available. We worki with Student Carers who have caring responsibilities to help us develop and improve the support services we provide.
Carer identity cards are available on request – these can be shared discreetly with staff, should you be late arriving at college, or need to leave early to fulfil caring responsibilities. We are also committed to training SERC staff to promote a wider understanding of the support Student Carers need and to make sure the College is ready to respond to those needs.
We also work closely with the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust and Action for Children, ensuring resources for Student Carers are made available.
If you would like to help us further please contact studentcarers@serc.ac.uk
A Student Carer at SERC said
“Having a Student Carer Card at SERC recognises the additional challenges I face daily. . It removes the stress of having to explain when I need to step out of class to take a call relating to my mother’s care, arrive in late or need to rush home early.
My course and education are important, but I have other priorities and responsibilities that I need to deal with first. I have found the card particularly useful if there is a new tutor as it means they instantly know I am a Young Carer and some flexibility is required”
Useful Contacts
- SERC – Student Carer Co-ordinator Marie Jameson – mjameson@serc.ac.uk
- SERC Support team – studentcarers@serc.ac.uk
- Action for Children – youngcarers@actionforchildren.org.uk
- South Eastern Health Trust Carer Support - 02843721807
