Further and Higher Education - How Colleges and Universities may support you in your caring role:

Going to college or university can seem a scary and overwhelming prospect to young people who care for a family member. However, going into further education can be extremely rewarding and open up doors to give you a more positive future.

There are many colleges/universities that support carers and have policies and procedures already in place, so you will not be disadvantaged when beginning your course. Student Unions will also have advice and suggestions to support you throughout your time at college/university.

At Work:

Some carers try to juggle their caring role whilst trying to hold down a job. Some of the issues working carers may face include:

• Leave their employment
• Reduce working hours – take a low paid part-time post
• Using holidays for appointments for the person you support
• Increased levels of stress and anxiety
• Difficulty in leaving work in times of emergency
• No understanding of caring role from management or colleagues

Partners within Perth and Kinross including PKAVS, Local Authority and NHS are behind one of the key activities to support major local employers, to become Carer Positive Employers by meeting the standards of the Scottish Government-backed Carers Positive Kitemark scheme.

The aim of the scheme is to:

• Raise awareness of carers who are trying to juggle work alongside their caring role
• To encourage employers to understand how supporting carers within the work place can be beneficial for both them and the carer i.e. retaining experienced staff, reducing absences
• To recognise employers who have adopted carer-friendly policies and practices within the workplace

For more information this please contact Perth Council on 01738 475000 or email enquiries@pkc.gov.uk.

If you would like to be come a Carer Positive Employer in Scotland and wouldl ikemore infomration please contact 0141 4453070 or email sue@carerpositive.org. 

Alternatively visit www.carerpositive.org/apply  for an application form.