Young Carers & Unpaid Carers
Young Carers and Adult Carers Support
Do you have unpaid caring responsibilities for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems?
West College Scotland is committed to supporting all students who have caring responsibilities, whether the student is a young carer or an adult carer. We recognise the valuable role carers play at home and understand that balancing caring responsibilities with college life can be challenging. Our aim is to ensure you receive the right support throughout your journey with us.
A young carer is someone aged under 19 who helps to care for a family member. As a young carer, you may:
- Look after siblings
- Provide care to a parent or family member
- Help manage household tasks
- Provide emotional support
Support for Young Carers
We offer dedicated support to help you succeed in your studies:
- One-to-one guidance from Student Advisors
- Support with managing workload and deadlines
- Help accessing funding or bursaries for carers
- Flexible learning arrangements where appropriate
- Referral to external young carer services
Adult Carers
An adult carer is anyone aged 19 and over who provides unpaid care. Many adult carers juggle caring responsibilities with work, education and family life.
Support for Adult Carers
We can support adult carers through:
- Individual guidance and needs assessments
- Academic flexibility where possible
- Support with funding applications and evidence
- Links to local carer organisations
- Wellbeing and mental health support services
How We Can Help
Our Student Advisory Services team can support you before you start, throughout your course, and as you plan your next steps. Support includes:
- Advice on financial support for carers
- Tailored support plans
- Ongoing check-ins to help you manage your studies
- Confidential pastoral support
Get in Touch
· If you are a young carer, adult carer or think you may be one, please reach out to the Student Advisory Services team. We are here to support you every step of the way.
· Email: info@wcs.ac.uk
· Phone: 0300 600 60 60
You do not need to manage caring responsibilities alone. West College Scotland is here to help you succeed and make the most of your time at college.
Useful links:
Paisley: HOME - Renfrewshire Carers Centre
West Dunbartonshire: https://carerswd.org/
Young carers west Dunbartonshire:
Young carers | West Dunbartonshire Council
Greenock: Support for Carers - Carers Gateway - Inverclyde Council
