Our Commitment

Many students combine their studies with caring responsibilities. Forth Valley College (FVC) values the skills and contributions that student carers bring to our learning community. We want to ensure that student carers are able to balance their caring responsibilities with college life, enjoy their learning at FVC and are fully supported to enable them to thrive in this environment.

Definition of a Carer

“A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support.” (Carers Trust, 2022)

FVC supports all student carers regardless of whether they are a:

· Young Adult Carer: Someone aged between 18-24 years who helps to care for (or is impacted by the care needs of) a friend or family member with the needs described above. (Note: if the young person is under 18 years old but has left secondary school, they are classed as a Young Adult Carer rather than Young Carer)

· Adult Carer: Someone aged 25 years and over who provides unpaid care

Applicants are strongly encouraged to indicate they have been in care via their college online application.

Telling us about your caring status, means our Student Support team will contact you before your course starts to explain all the support available to you.

The support on offer is wide and varied and depends on each individual student and what is right for you.

FVC works with our partners in the community to support our student carers, and regularly collaborate to gain feedback from and celebrate the achievements of our young carers.