The University of Roehampton has reached an important milestone in supporting students with unpaid caring responsibilities.
The first students have now received their Carer Passport, a programme that recognises and supports student carers. Originally piloted in the School of Education, the initiative is now being rolled out across the university and enables student carers to access a range of pastoral and academic support.
The Carer Passport, adapted from Carers UK and Carers Trust, helps students identify their caring responsibilities, raises awareness of their often-unseen role, and provides strategic early access to support through a one-to-one meeting with a Student Wellbeing Officer. Students with an approved Carer Passport also receive consistent support, including being part of the social ‘Roehampton University Carers Network’, receiving mitigating circumstances of assessments. Furthermore, a Carer Passport facilitates communication with tutors and university staff.
The programme was established by Dr Amy Porter in response to students sharing the challenges of balancing study and caring responsibilities. After researching existing support and best practice, she adapted the Carer Passport for Roehampton, gaining approval for university-wide rollout. Dr. Porter continues to lead the project, working closely with the Wellbeing Team to implement both the Carer Passport and the Carer Support Network.
Dr Amy Porter, said, “A student with caring responsibilities becomes vulnerable when their caring responsibilities risk impacting their health or wellbeing and prospects in education and in life. I am grateful to our student carers who shared the complexities of their lives and so proud that the Carer Passport initiative is now being rolled out university-wide in response.”
As the first Carer Passports are awarded this week, the university community celebrates a collective move towards a more compassionate, responsive, and equitable learning environment.
Students can apply by contacting Dr Amy Porter, applications will also become available via Nest.