Hi there I have been a full time carer for around 6 years and wanted to ask if anyone can advise me on study/courses or anything that I could do or entitled to? gaining new skills or qualifications is something I am keen to look into and see different things online but can anyone who knows let me know please? paid carer and UC…. thank you.
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@R_Blover2026, Hi, welcome. Try looking up universal credit on the gov.uk website (if you have already tried this, sorry for stating the obvious). Also, your local Job Centre Plus. What do you plan to study? Maybe try Open University courses. I’m sure there is something out there for you. Glad to hear you are caring for your relative. Having been a carer (until recently) for 30+yrs, if you need a little advice, CarersUK.org is one such site. Also, try e-mailing this webisite, or their phoneline. They have people who can give better advice. Hope this helps.
It’s a nightmare trying to find something to study that doesn’t fall foul of the DWP hours rule.
I was lucky as I managed to get funding for my part time degree 25 years ago, whilst caring for my disabled son but that source dried up long ago.
Basic qualifications like English, Maths, Accounting, Business Studies, Computers/Information Technology may be available locally, and are always useful. Is there anything in particular that you have always wanted to do, but never had the opportunity?
Hi guys thanks for replying. I am new here so please bare with me lol. Hope you are both doing well. Well see this is the thing….. i don’t really know but i have some idea, i want to work with people so gaining some qualifications I skills to go into sectors like that would be a good idea. I always thought about youth work and such I am just looking at my options. I know volunteering is a good idea and also looking into that. But being a full time carer and getting UC it has to be done carefully. There was a night shelter role 7pm till 7am which interested me indeed. I don’t think Uni is for me sadly. Maybe doing it online is easier/different. @JohnnyBoy i did email them mate on the site, haven’t heard anything back yet. Maybe it takes some days. Thank you once again for replying and if you guys wanna chat at any time feel free!
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No problem. I think you may have already found the answer. A youth worker would be a good idea. As for uni, I had no such luck going to such an institution. Mainly because, I couldn’t afford the fees.
Hi John, i did see about the open university and with being a full time carer etc but i don’t think that is for me sadly. I think something more hands on so to speak or such. I am sorry about the fees mate, what would you have done if I can ask?
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I would’ve liked to have had various computing degrees. I’d love to have got a job in the video games industry. I’ve been a gamer since I was 7yrs old. It would’ve been a dream job.
Yeah been a gamer also mate. Mad how technology has advanced so quick eh lol. playing on the 64 and now look how it is. Even the dial up internet … mad
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@R_Blover2026, goodness me. You are going back a while. The evolution of games has amazed me. From stick figures on screen, to people who look and act like us. Amazing.
You can always study at home, or part time at a local college for a GCSE or A level. Set aside an hour or two every day and concentrate on your studies. My family didn’t appreciate my studies, but I desperately needed to do something other than caring, cooking, and cleaning. Long story.
The WEA and the Open University do quite a range of online/distance learning courses. Open Learn courses are free and short. The WEA also deliver face to face in the community. There are other providers that deliver accredited courses (again online). These include The Skills Network and Learn Direct. I am not sure about finding, but may courses are free or heavily subsidised.
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