Student Carers
Anyone can be a carer, although you may not realise you are one at first. Caring responsibilities may include personal care, household management (e.g. managing finances), physical care, emotional support and practical tasks. Take our quiz HERE to find out if you are a Carer! ARU is dedicated to supporting you with your studies whilst juggling your other responsibilities. For more information click here.
Finances
As a parent and a carer, you may be entitled to financial help. To find out if you are eligible you can contact the Money Advice Service at ARU.
Online money resources
ARU Student Services finance info
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Credit
Adult Dependents Grant
Carer’s Smart (benefits and discounts to carers):
Charitable help and benefit entitlement checker
Societies
Students' Union societies are open to all and are reminded to keep accessibility as a high priority. We offer a variety of course-based societies and interest-based societies which, you can get involved in. Find a Society
Please let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments to access our Students' Union Societies here.
The society aims to provide informal support for individuals who are juggling studies alongside parenting. It is starting with the basis that ‘it takes a village’ and hopes to create a network for all those who are providing care to children and who are not experiencing the ‘conventional’ university experience due to their care responsibilities. Purchase your membership here
Local Support
Being a carer can be lonely. There are local groups and networks near all three main campuses that could support you.
Cambridge
Addenbrokes Hospital One Place
Provide advice to family carers of people who are in a hospital or attending as an outpatient, family carers who are patients of the hospital and members of staff who are family carers.
Website: carerstrustcambridgeshire.org/oneplace
Carers Trust Cambridgeshire
Offers carer support groups, advice, information and activities across Cambridgeshire.
Website: carerstrustcambridgeshire.org
Chelmsford
Action for Family Carers
- They offer lots of advice and information services and have support groups all over Essex run by a Carer Support and Development Worker.
- Locally based charities for unpaid carers have teamed up to make it easier for carers to access support when they need it, by providing a single contact point for carers and access to consistent support in Essex.
- Offers carer support, advise on caring for those with a disability or mental health condition. They also offer one-to-one support or you can get involved in carer support groups.
Contact details
Tracy Hartley
Tel:07702858650
Email: Tracey.Hartley@affc.org.uk
Peterborough
Carers Trust Peterborough
Carers Trust Peterborough offers carers support groups, advice, information and support for carers across Peterborough.
Website: carerstrustcambridgeshire.org/locations/peterborough
Peterborough City Council
The website provides a list of events and support groups available to carers in the local area.
Website: peterborough.gov.uk/healthcare/adult-social-care/looking-after-someone/carers/#events
Useful links:
NUS student carer advice
Guide to care and support (NHS)
Carer’s Trust
Carer’s UK – support and advice
Charitable help and benefit entitlement checker
Living Well (Essex) – Carer support in Essex
Rallyround (Essex) – a free, online tool that enables to organise and coordinate care responsibilities
Cambridge County Council carer support
Peterborough County Council carer support
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information on being a student and a carer, such as what constitutes as a ‘carer’, who to inform, and what to do if you are struggling with your studies, take a look at these frequently asked questions.