Young and Adult Carers

Support for students with caring responsibilities 

If you're aged 16 or over and regularly care for a family member, partner or friend who couldn't manage without your help, you're not alone. At East Coast College, we understand that balancing your caring responsibilities with studying can be challenging.

Whether you're just starting your college journey or returning to education, we're here to help you succeed. Our dedicated support team can work with you to make sure you have the support you need to achieve your goals while managing your caring role.

How we can support you

We offer a range of financial, academic and wellbeing support for young and adult carers, including:

• Flexible independent study arrangements where planned absences have been agreed in advance
• College bursary support (subject to eligibility)
• Referrals to a personal mentor
• Extensions for coursework and assignments where appropriate
• Laptop loans
• Free sanitary products
• Free condoms
• Access to specialist careers and wellbeing support

Additional support

We can also help you access a range of external services, including:

• Counselling
• Free toiletries
• Referrals to local food banks
• Support from external organisations that specialise in helping carers

Thinking about joining East Coast College?

If you're a prospective student with caring responsibilities, we'd be happy to arrange a college tour and discuss the support available before you apply.

Please contact us to arrange a visit.