Find out about Support for Student Carers at SERC

The Student Carers team hosted a series of information sessions for Student Carers and staff across SERC’s Lisburn, Bangor and Downpatrick Campuses this month and were delighted to see so many students and staff drop by to find out about support services available in the college and the wider SERC community.

A Student Carer is someone who provides or intends to provide substantial care, on a regular basis, for a family member or friend who is disabled, physically or mentally ill, has a long-term illness or a substance misuse problem.

You may be a Student Carer and didn’t even realise - as you were just getting on with things to help support your family or a friend.   But for every Student Carer there are extra pressures when juggling education with caring responsibilities - such as getting to college on time and managing attendance; having time to study, complete coursework or assignments; being able to concentrate; making friends and feeling safe; providing personal or physical care; household tasks, shopping, and cleaning; providing emotional support or looking after siblings; and managing medication, finances, or appointments.  

At SERC we can offer help, information, support, and advice. We understand Student Carers may need:

• Time out to call home
• Extra time to complete assignments
• Information about their rights
• Information about welfare services.

You can identify as a Student Carer before you start your course or at any stage.   Email the Student Carer Coordinator, Marie Jameson, at: studentcarers@serc.ac.uk, and we will work with you to develop your Carers Learning Support Plan.

You can find out more at: Support For Carers - SERC

Watch out for details of Student Carer engagement events for part-time students coming up in the spring.