At University Centre Leeds, we recognise that the responsibilities of a student carer can have a significant impact on their higher education experience. We are committed to improving students' choices and are here to help. We can support throughout the application process, student finance applications, selecting accommodation as well as enrolling onto their course and throughout.
We provide support through our CARES scheme to help you access our courses and achieve the best results whilst studying with us. The CARES scheme offers support both, before and after enrolment and we will explain the support options to you on this page.
What do we mean by student carers?
You are responsible for providing unpaid care to someone who has, for example:
● A long-term illness
● A physical or learning disability
● A mental health condition
● An addiction; or
● Temporary care needs following, for example, an accident or operation
Support available at UC Leeds
The CARES Scheme offers tailored, wrap around support to help students feel safe, valued, and able to thrive both academically and personally.
Our on-course support includes:
Named Contact
All CARES students are assigned a named contact within the Access and Participation team who acts as their key point of support throughout their time with us. This contact provides regular check-ins, helps students navigate institutional processes, and advocates on their behalf when needed.
Pastoral Support
CARES students have access to one-to-one wellbeing check-ins throughout the year. These offer a safe, confidential space to discuss any concerns. Our team can also help connect students with appropriate services within and beyond the institution.
Academic Support and Guidance
We support students in developing the skills and confidence needed to succeed academically. CARES students are encouraged to access:
● Study skills workshops and academic coaching sessions
● Personalised guidance on time management, academic writing, and assessment period planning
● Referrals to academic staff or support services if additional learning support is needed
To help support new students leaving care to start full time higher education at University Centre Leeds, we offer the following financial support:
- Care Experienced Student Bursary (up to £1000 awarded by University Centre Leeds);
- Supporting the cost of interview travel and/or on-course materials (where applicable – up to 50% of costs);
- Supporting the cost of graduation gown hire and photographs (up to 50% of costs).
- University Centre Leeds can act as a guarantor for your student accommodation agreements.
Other support offered to care leavers include:
- Nominated care experienced student support from the University Centre Leeds HE Welfare and Student Engagement Officer and /or a Named contact from within the Safeguarding Team;
- Buddying and/or mentoring schemes;
- HE Counselling and Mental Health Officer.
If you would like to discuss your concerns further, please contact our Admissions Team at [email protected].
To help potential students make informed decisions about their higher education and degree choices, we offer:
● Personalised tours
● Named contact to support you throughout your studies
● Impartial information, advice and guidance on the courses available in higher education
● Taster days
● 1:1 application support
● Contextual admissions
● Enhanced transition support
● Access to the Widening Participation Mentoring Scheme
Eligible students will receive priority consideration for year-round (365-day) accommodation with our partner providers. While a guarantor is usually required, this may be waived upon evidence of CARES eligibility. Applicants will be contacted by our named contact to clarify the accommodation support offer and will be given the opportunity to select a suitable tenancy. The accommodation team contact information is [email protected].
Depending on eligibility, we offer several forms of financial support in the form of bursaries and grants.
We offer:
● CARES Bursary (up to £1000)
● Support for interview travel and/or materials (up to 50% of costs)
● Graduation gown hire and photography support (up to 50%)
● We also offer guidance on applying for student finance as an independent student.
Through the Wellbeing Team, students can be paired with trained mentors who offer encouragement, share their own experiences, and provide practical guidance to support their wellbeing.
Students will have priority access to confidential counselling services and, where appropriate, may be referred to external mental health services. We work proactively to support students' wellbeing and create a culture where seeking help is normalised and encouraged.
If you would like to find out more about the support available, you can contact our team on [email protected].
Go Higher West Yorkshire provides a CPD-certified training programme for those who support care-experienced young people, called Care to Go Higher. The course has real impact and previous attendees have said the course offers “a wealth of information to support care leavers on their journeys to HE”. The training is free to attend and includes contributions from HE professionals, Care Experienced Students and employers from across the region.
External Support
Family Action offers information, advice and support for young carers, their families and professionals in Leeds.
UCAS offers information on the support available to Students with caring responsibilities, as well as application support
The Carers Trust offers support to those who give unpaid care to a family member or friend – find out about their support for young adult carers and find your local carer services.
MYTIME Young Carers supports young carers aged 5-25, including toolkits for young carers and support for parents.
Sidekick is a confidential helpline for young carers – text 07888 868 059 or email: [email protected].
The NHS offers support with knowing your rights as a young carer.
Contact your local council or carers service to find out how they can support you with your caring role if you are planning to go to university – find out about your rights on the Carers Trust website.
Read the young carers guide to making the move to university from Charlie Waller and the Charlie Watkins Foundation.
The LearnWorKCare website from the Learning and Work Institute offers advice and resources on learning and work for young adult carers.
FAQs
Yes. Carers often face additional stress and pressure. You can access:
● Counselling and mental health services
● Peer support groups for carers
● External organisations such as Carers UK, Carers Trust, or local carers’ centres
We recognise that carers often face unique challenges. You can:
● Speak to your tutor or the student support team about flexible arrangements
● Request mitigating circumstances for assessments if needed
● Access additional academic support services
You may be asked for evidence if you are applying for financial support or bursaries. This could be:
● A letter from a GP, social worker, or carer organisation
● Proof of Carers’ Allowance
● A supporting statement from your school, college, or community worker
Yes, we are happy to have conversations with any supporting staff, please get in touch via our email with any questions or to arrange a call. Email [email protected].
