Student Carers

Loughborough University Student Carer Statement of Intent:

• Loughborough University defines Student Carers as anyone who cares for a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and could not cope without their support. This definition does not include student parents caring for their children. 
• We value our diverse student body and are committed to providing opportunities and improving support for students from widening participation groups. We recognise that student carers are one of those groups and may require additional support across the four stages of the student lifecycle: Access, Continuation, Attainment and Progression.
• We are committed to working with student carers to improve the support offered and to ensure they feel heard and can identify as part of the Loughborough University community. We will listen to student carer voices and provide opportunities for students and staff to share ideas and bring about positive change.

You can access support as a student carer by completing the form below and providing details of your caring responsibilities and the impact you think they might have on your studies.

Once you have submitted the student carer support form, a wellbeing adviser will contact you on your university email address to arrange an appointment.

The University has a Hardship Fund which provides a grant to students in financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances since starting their course. The purpose of the Hardship Fund is to provide support for students who would not otherwise be able to continue to study. You may face additional expenses as a carer, for example if you have to travel home more frequently and these can be included in any application. You can make an appointment with the Student Advice and Support Service if you would like help with the application.

Financial assistance may be granted from the Hardship Fund Summer Scheme if students are living independently over the summer, prevented from supporting themselves due to caring responsibilities or have other family, personal or health difficulties. It is expected that students will attempt to find paid work or other means of supporting themselves over the summer but should explain if they have reasonable grounds for not doing so.

You can read more about support services available to Loughborough students who are carers here.

Last updated: 25th June 2024