Embarking on the journey beyond school can be an exhilarating yet overwhelming chapter for young carers. The road ahead might seem uncertain, and you might be wondering which path to take or what kind of support is available.
This page is your gateway to a wealth of information, resources, and guidance specifically designed to nurture your next steps. Discover the incredible support systems waiting to empower you the next stage of your journey.
“I honestly think that if it hadn’t been for the college orientation day I would have been really freaking out about starting college. I’m actually really excited about it now”.- (Carer post school transition programme – 2021)
Dundee Carers Centre offers flexible training sessions to help carers aged 16—25 who are not in education or working.
These are all one-day or short-term accredited training in different sectors such as beauty, trade & hospitality but we’ll find the right training for you, even if it’s not on our list.
Dundee and Angus College staff are passionate about making sure all carers get the correct support they need so that you can enjoy your time at College, succeed in gaining your qualifications and achieve your career goals (as well as have lots of fun!)
Meet other young adult carers while learning valuable life skills in preparation for leaving home, such as budgeting and cooking. There are also options to gain additional qualifications to boost your CV.
“I really enjoyed meeting up with the other carers as we got to do fun activities which helped boost my mood and confidence. I loved meeting all the other people as I feel as if my friend group has expanded. I also met a girl who’s also in the same course as me which was fantastic. I feel very supported in starting my new college year and feel as if I can start afresh knowing that I am being supported in my journey to obtaining my qualification.” (Young Adult Carer post school transition programme – 2021)
If you want to contact us before you apply to discuss the support you need we would be delighted to chat with you.
Please contact us at [email protected]
If you would like guidance on the different courses and funding available to you please contact us at [email protected]
Sarah and Catriona lead the work in student services on behalf of student carers so if you want to speak to us directly please contact:
Sarah email: [email protected]
Catriona email: [email protected]
To find out more about the support available please go to:
Young adult carers who are looking to apply to a course should email the Widening Access Team at [email protected]
The Widening Access team will support you to make your application through the contextual admissions process. To read more about the University’s Contextual admissions policy click here
Once your application has been approved the team will put you in contact with student support services before the start of the semester.
SWAP (The Scottish Wider Access Programme) is a one year programme run by further education colleges for the purposes of facilitating access to higher education programmes. You can read more information on the SWAP website.
Click the links above or visit their Alternative Entry Routes page.
Hear from Claire Gammie, Abertay’s Widening Access Officer about options available for student carers.
Abertay UniversitySWAP (The Scottish Wider Access Programme) is a one year programme run by further education colleges for the purposes of facilitating access to higher education programmes. You can read more information on the SWAP website.
Click the links above or visit their Alternative Entry Routes page.
Young Carer Grant is a yearly payment of £326.65 for young carers in Scotland aged 16, 17, or 18 years old.
You can get a Young Carer Grant once a year, up until you turn 19. How you spend the Young Carer Grant is up to you. You could use it for things like new clothes, driving lessons or a holiday.
The Young Carers Package is a bundle of vouchers available to all young carers, aged 11 to 18 in Scotland.
It’s filled with special treats to help them make the most of their free time and support them in their caring role. Best of all, it’s completely free!
To find out more and register for the package, visit the young scot page or speak to your support worker.
