The role of teachers, senior leadership teams and advisors is crucial in supporting students and potential students to access Higher Education. Whether supporting someone by raising attainment, helping them to make informed choices, or by providing practical information and advice, at Go Higher West Yorkshire we have resources which can help.
The information and links below have been compiled to assist you to help support learners’ attainment and aspirations, inform their choices about courses and careers, and guide them through the application process on their journey to Higher Education. This includes the OfS Uni Connect Programme Outreach Hub – helping schools and colleges access the higher education outreach they need.
The journey started in schools, colleges and universities, doesn’t end at graduation.
Exposure to the world of work is key to developing employability skills and securing a job.
That’s why we work collaboratively with employers and industry experts, supporting our partners to equip their students for the changing economy.
Go Higher West Yorkshire: reducing inequalities in access to, success in and progression from Higher Education.
Go Higher West Yorkshire have put this information together to help young carers understand the support that is on offer at our Partner Higher Education Institutions, and regionally.
This support ranges from financial to well-being and we hope you find the links and contact details useful.
If you feel comfortable doing so, it can be a good idea to notify University or College about your caring experience or commitments when applying. This gives them the chance to work with and understand you. It should also enable College or University to provide the best support they have available, to help you succeed and enjoy your time in Higher Education.
GHWY have created a fun HE myth busting game with content specifically relevant to young carers. If you are a practitioner in this field please email hello@gohigherwestyorks.ac.uk for a copy.
Below you will see the support available from West Yorkshire Colleges and Universities, as well as additional helpful websites.
UCAS Young Carers Guidance
Description: Specific Information, Advice and Guidance for young carers thinking about higher education
Link: https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/individual-needs/students-caring-responsibilities
Learning and Work Institute
Description: Â Information and resources related to work and studying
Link: https://learningandwork.org.uk/what-we-do/social-justice-inclusion/young-adult-carers/
Carers Trust
Description: Information and guidance on studying and training
Link: https://carers.org/studying-and-training/studying-and-training
Carers Allowance
Description: The government website on financial support for young carers.
Link: https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance
Young Carers Resource
Description: Carers’ Resource is a local specialist carer centre which provides support for young carers in the Bradford, Harrogate and Craven districts of Yorkshire.
Link: https://youngcarersresource.org/
Carers UK
Description: Advice, information and support for young carers.
Link: https://www.carersuk.org/search/bradford-young-carers-scheme
Family action Leeds
Description: Provides specialist information, advice and support for Young Carers, families and practitioners to improve the wellbeing of Young Carers in Leeds.
Link: https://www.family-action.org.uk/what-we-do/children-families/leeds-young-carers-support-service/
Mind Mate (NHS)
Description: If you feel you cannot talk about your feelings with the person you are caring for then there may be other people you can turn to. Try out Find your Mind Mates to help you think about who these people might be.
Link: https://www.mindmate.org.uk/are-you-a-young-carer/
Kirklees Young Carers & Young Adult Carers (Barnardo’s)
Description: Provides assessed 1:1 and group support to young carers aged 8 to 17. Practical and emotional support to young carers in transition from children to adult services. Information and guidance as well as ensuring young adult carers get an assessment of their needs
Link: https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/services/kirklees-young-carers
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/services/kirklees-young-adult-carers
Carers Count (Kirklees Council)
Description: If you give time and energy to look after a family member or friend in Kirklees and you have questions which need answering, this is your guide to accessing help and support.
Link: https://carerscount.org.uk/
Wakefield Council
Description: A good point of contact for the most up to date services in the Wakefield area.
Link: https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/schools-and-children/early-help/young-carers
Wakefield District Young Carers (Wakefield Council)
Description: Young Carers group is for any young person 11 to 19 (and attending secondary school) who participates in any kind of caring for a family member who needs help.
Link: http://wfyouth.co.uk/young-carers/
Carers Wakefield
Description: Carers Wakefield & District offer a free confidential information and support service to Carers aged 17 to 25.
Link: https://www.carerswakefield.org.uk/