University of the Highlands and Islands
The ‘Going Higher for Student Carers Award’, introduced in 2017, was developed by Carers Trust Scotland to support Universities to build awareness, widen access and increase support for Students with Caring responsibilities. The Award has been a huge success with 7 Universities in Scotland currently holding the award. The development of an award for Universities was closely followed by the implementation of an award for Colleges, the ‘Going Further for Student Carers Award’. There are currently two colleges in Scotland that hold the award. See our awards page to find out which Colleges and Universities hold the award.
Carers Trust Scotland are working closely with the University and College sector to continually increase support for Unpaid Carers in Higher and Further Education and we look forward too many more of our partners achieving the award.
A recent press release from one of our University Partners highlights their experience of the award.
The University of the Highlands and Islands has been recognised for its work to support student carers. The organisation collaborated with Carers Trust Scotland to achieve the Going Higher Award.
Introduced in 2017, the award encourages universities to adopt sustainable approaches to identifying, supporting and reporting on student carers.
The university completed and made an ongoing commitment to a number of activities to achieve the award. This includes providing information and support to student carers, raising awareness through staff training and celebrating the successes of student carers.
Welcoming the award, Dr Iain Morrison, the university’s Dean of Students said: “We are delighted to have achieved this award. Research by the Carers Trust Scotland has shown that carers are less likely to access higher and further education and that student carers are more likely to discontinue their studies. We want to do everything we can to help carers access educational opportunities and to provide a supportive learning environment for student carers.
“Our university partnership of colleges and research institutions provides flexible learning pathways, allowing students to fit their study around the other commitments they may have.”
Carers Trust Development Officer Amy Copsey said:
“We are delighted that the University of the Highlands and Islands has achieved the Going Higher Award for Student Carers. The award demonstrates its ongoing support for and commitment to unpaid carers in their journey through further and higher education.”
To find out more about the ways the University of the Highlands and Islands supports student carers, visit www.uhi.ac.uk/en/students/support/carers
