Education, learning and training
Many carers like the idea of learning but worry about how it might fit with their other commitments. The good news is that you have lots of choice about where and when you learn – you don’t have to go to a college learning centre but can choose from a wide variety of locations including your own home.
Courses to help you in your caring role
There are many local short courses available that may help you in your caring role - some only last an hour or two. You may be able to get help with transport or care costs for some courses. For help to find something to suit you, contact your local carers' centre .
Courses in Oxfordshire County Council Learning & Development Brochure are free to Carers.
Carers in to Education Project:
Carers can access National Extension College distance learning courses at reduced rates.
Contact Sue Crowley on 01223 400325
Learning for Living – City and Guilds course. This is an online learning programme for carers. It supports personal development, builds on existing skills and can help develop plans for future training and employment. The programme, which can lead to a qualification, can be accessed anywhere there is an internet-connected computer.
Some courses are free or very low cost to adult learners. It is very important to check before you start the course how much you will have to pay for fees or materials.
Princess Royal Trust for Carers bursaries. You may be able to apply for a PRTC bursary. Contact your local Princess Royal Trust for Carers centre www.carers.org/local/south-east/banbury/ or www.carers.org
Other local opportunities
- New Start - how to get back to work and or learning after a break and other useful local advice and possible sources of funding.
- Ransackers – opportunity for people aged over 55 (who haven’t benefited from Higher Education) to spend one term at one of the colleges in the project. Including Ruskin College in Oxford. Contact Liz Matthews, Ransackers Co-ordinator, at Ruskin College, Walton Street, Oxford OX1 2HE.
- Learning and Skills Council – Thames Valley. Information on all learning providers and courses in Oxfordshire. Telephone 0845 019 4154
- Next Step: Free advice on learning and work, and how to find your nearest adviser. Telephone 0800 1954 700
Local colleges and universities
Working and caring
Over the next 30 years the number of carers in the UK will grow from 6 million to 9 million. Every year more than 2 million people become carers and a further 2.3 million carers end their caring role. Research has shown that 80% of carers are of working age and that the vast majority would prefer to stay in work or return to work if they could.
Many carers in paid employment would like the opportunity to develop new skills as a way of widening their options to stay in work.
New information
The Work and Families Act 2006 gives carers the right to request flexible working and came into force in April 2007.To find out more about this Act and what it means to carers.
Frequently asked questions on the Carers UK website.
Carers UK are running a campaign, supported by British Gas, called Making Work Work. This is a campaign to enable carers to make their own choices on work and care.
Information sheets
Printable page
