We offer a range of additional support to young carers to aid the transition from school or college to university.
Who are young carers?
Young carers are children and young people under 18 who help to look after a family member who is disabled, physically or mentally ill or has a substance misuse problem. The Carers Trust estimates that there are around 700,000 young carers in the UK. One of the challenges this group faces is that their educational progress may be disrupted through poor attendance, underachievement or bullying.
Young carers outreach work
We are invested in supporting young carers who wish to apply to the University of Birmingham and ensuring that students with caring responsibilities are able to thrive during their studies.
We know that a number of our own undergraduates have experience of being young carers, and we are keen to encourage this cohort of students to focus on their own needs and aspirations for the future.
To find out more about the support we can offer please email Emily Birkett at e.p.birkett@bham.ac.uk.
Young Carer Award
The University is pleased to be able to offer a limited number of awards worth £2,000 per year of study to young carers aged 18-25, who are currently studying at the University of Birmingham. Students must provide evidence to demonstrate that they are young adult carers, and complete an online application form if they would like to apply. Applications for the 2022/23 academic year are now closed, and will reopen in the autumn. Read more about the Young Carer Award.
Student Services
Student Services encourage young carers to use the wide range of support the University has to offer its students. Student Services provide advice and support in specialist areas such as counselling and wellbeing, disability, learning support, mental health and student funding. For further information about the support available for carers please email studentcarers@contacts.bham.ac.uk or visit the Student Services webpage.