Supporting carers in Wales

Our flexible distance learning teaching methods are particularly popular with carers who often need to be able to study flexibly.

Through our widening access work we have worked with carers organisations across Wales to promote the opportunities the OU can offer and also to offer enhanced support through specific outreach activities.

Our work with carers groups has been kindly supported with funding from the Waterloo Foundation. The OU's "Access to Education for Carers Project" scoopedc the main prize at the 2012 UALL awards from the Universities Association of Lifelong Learning.

Working in partnership with North East Wales Carers Information Service(NEWCIS) we have worked with over 12 carers, helping them to access flexible learning , a local tutor has also run a regular study club enabling them to meet as a group. See their story:

Working in partnership with Swansea Carers Centre to develop information and support for carers across the area to access Higher Education opportunities. To date a number of carers are studying with the OU. See their story:

Carer student case study - Kim Crocombe

Kim, a full time mum and carer needed really flexible study options to fit around her son’s hospital appointments. She heard about the Open University when they visited her local carers support group, she’s now on her way to a psychology degree.