Students with caring responsibilities

• Cost of Living Support Fund: if your circumstances mean that you have been impacted financially, you can apply to the Cost of Living Support Fund.

• School Support Office: if you are seeing an impact on your academic work, you may want to reach out to your School Support Office, who can provide you with information on things like mitigating circumstances. 

• Acess to Recreation Grant - Students can claim up to £250 (in advance or after spending) towards University and Union registered recreational activity.

• Emergency Loans/Hardship Funding - The Advice Service offers a small emergency loan scheme for students in times of short term financial hardship.

The Mix is a UK based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people under 25 via online, social and mobile.

They have a range of great resources for young carers on their website and also hold a Young Carers Weekly Group Chat on Friday evenings.

Manchester Carers Centre is a designated Carers Centre and a partner organisation for the Carers Trust. They will be able to provide 121 sessions with you to discuss your situation, what they can do to help and if any extra support is needed for the person you care for. They also provide advice about accessing financial support and respite services.

They can be contacted by ringing 0161 272 7270 or emailing admin@manchestercarers.org.uk.

Carers Trust are a charity who work to improve support, services and recognition for anyone caring for a family member or friend. Their website is full of advice from finance to wellbeing, and can be found online here

Gaddum have trained and experienced advocates who give you a voice when you need to be heard. All advocacy services are free and confidential. They provide an Independent Care Act Advocate service to support people to have choice and control over their care and support.

If you need information or advice on issues related to caring, the Carers UK Helpline is available on 0808 808 7777 from Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm or you can contact us by email at advice@carersuk.org.

You may be entitled to Universal Credit if you are responsible for a child, or if you have taken time out from your course for caring responsibilities, your caring responsibilities have ended, and you are waiting to go back to your course. There is more information on the Turn2Us website.