Websites

Support for learning and career development
UK and England
OU: Careers Advisory ServiceThe Open University’s Careers Advisory Service
OU: Credit transferCredit transfer information from The Open University
OU: OpenLearnFree courses from The Open University
OU: Skills for OU studyDevelop the study skills you need for your OU course, and get the confidence you need to succeed
OU: Skills for OU study, English for learningSupport and guidance on English language skills
OU: Study at the OUThe Open University’s online prospectus
BBC: SkillswiseHelp and advice with reading, writing and numbers
The Big PlusFree help with reading, writing and numbers for people living in Scotland
Directgov: Education and learningUK information and advice on education, learning and funding in the UK
learndirectInformation and advice on learning and skills for work
Directgov/ National Careers Service: Help for students with disabilitiesInformation and advice for students who have additional needs
NARICInformation and advice on national and international qualifications
Directgov/ National Careers Service: Job profilesInformation and advice on work, skills and career choices in the UK
UCASUK university course choice
UKCourseFinderUK-wide course information
Scotland
The Open University in ScotlandThe Open University in Scotland
Caring for CarersInformation about study opportunities for carers in Scotland
Citizens Advice ScotlandFree advice on a wide range of issues – open to everyone in Scotland
PlanIT PlusInformation on course choice, learning and careers in Scotland
Skills Development ScotlandInformation and advice on learning, and skills for work in Scotland, and ILA funding
Student Awards Agency for ScotlandAdvice and information on funding for students in Scotland
Wales
Access to learning for carersInformation about study opportunities for carers in Wales
learndirect: Cymru/ WalesInformation and advice on learning and skills for work in Wales
My World of WorkInformation and advice on work, skills and career choices
Northern Ireland
nidirectInformation and advice on learning, funding and skills for work in Northern Ireland
Prospects: types of jobsGraduate careers information website

Support for carers

There are a large number of carers centres and caring organisations. These links take you to national organisations that should be able to provide you with information about whom to contact in your local area.

UK and England
Carers TrustUK-wide carer organisation membership organisation
CarersukUK-wide carers membership organisation
MatterAn online community for young adult carers created by Carers Trust
Working families Campaigning website with information for parents and carers on employment rights
Scotland
The Scottish Young Carers Services AllianceFacebook page for The Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance
Carers ScotlandScottish base for UK-wide support organisation for carers
Carers Trust ScotlandScottish base for UK-wide support organisation for carers centres and carers
Care Information ScotlandPublic information on caring for older people in Scotland
Coalition of carers in ScotlandCoalition of carers in Scotland
Crossroads Caring ScotlandCrossroads Caring Scotland provides practical services such as respite care to carers across Scotland
Shared Care ScotlandShared Care Scotland works to improve the quality, choice and availability of short break provision across Scotland, for the benefit of carers and the people they care for
MECOPP Carers CentreMECOPP works to challenge and dismantle barriers that deny Black and Minority Ethnic carers access to health, social work and other social care services in Edinburgh, the Lothians and further afield
Wales
Carers Trust Wales/ CymruWelsh base for UK-wide support organisation for carers centres and carers
Carers WalesWelsh base for UK-wide support organisation for carers
Northern Ireland
Carers Trust Northern IrelandNorthern Irish base for UK-wide support organisation for carers centres and carers
Carers NINorthern Irish base for UK-wide support organisation for carers
Finance and legal information
UK
Directgov: Carers and disability benefitsGovernment information website explaining benefits for carers and people with disabilities
Carers UK: Help with benefitsUK-wide benefits information and advice from Carers UK
Directgov: Lasting power of attorneyInformation about arranging power of attorney in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Scotland
Self Directed Support in ScotlandInformation about self-directed support legislation and what it means for carers in Scotland
Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland): Power of AttorneyInformation about arranging power of attorney in Scotland
Children1st: What you need to know about Kinship careInformation about kinship care, including the kinship care allowance

Acknowledgements