News: Supporting National Young Carers Awareness Day

We caught up with Dionne, one of our Achievement Coaches about her role, and ways we support our young adult carers here at Nottingham College.

Hi, I’m Dionne, and part of my role as an Achievement Coach is to help our students overcome any problems they might have during their studies with us. These might include money worries, not settling in, getting behind with work, problems at home or issues with peers in class or around College.

Where we feel that students may need additional support in order to continue or manage their studies, we work with a wide range of external organisations who we regularly refer to for guidance, for example the Carers Trust.

I have so much respect and admiration for young carers. It’s such a huge responsibility and can be incredibly stressful, isolating and worrying. We work closely with our students to support their mental wellbeing, and signpost them to additional support services when needed. 

I think the most important thing for young carers to remember is that they are not alone. Talking to somebody at College is key, and then we can work together to get the additional support they are entitled to.

At Nottingham College we believe that every single student, no matter what their background or personal circumstances, deserve the same chance at an education and a career; it’s important to know that help is available and we’re here to point students in the right direction. I think this is what I love most about my job – the ability to support our more vulnerable students and witnessing them succeed despite their difficulties.