Meet Emily

"I'm Emily and I'm just starting my third year in BSc(Hons) Learning Disability Nursing.

As a young carer, my main concerns were meeting new people and seeing how I could adapt to student life without having to care full time. I still struggle to "relax" now. I had to also consider how far university was from my family home. Also, not only did I have to prepare myself for going to University, but also my family. This meant asking for extra support and help from other organisations."

What are your caring responsibilities?

I care for both my mum and brother. My brother has Asperger's and physical difficulties. My mum has mild depression and hoarding disorders. My caring involves me having to be a social aid for my brother and having to be the "mum" with the chores and organising. 

Reality: 25% of all carers in the UK are supporting someone with mental ill health and 14% care for someone with a learning disability or autistic spectrum condition

source: Carers Trust - Key facts about carers and the people they care for

Why did you choose nursing?  

I always wanted to be a nurse because my mum was one! Going to university was never on my mind however, as I had a lot of difficulties in school.

Emily relaxing with her mum and brotherHow did you hear about Kingston and the support we offer for young adult carers?

I had never heard of KU Cares before, but when I applied to study at Kingston I was invited to join Head Start, which is the umbrella programme that supports the transition of all students from Widening Participation backgrounds. Through ticking the 'Young carer' box on that application, I was then contacted by the KU Cares team (who provide support and advocacy to care experienced, estranged and young carer students) to discuss my caring circumstances.

How has the support provided by KU Cares helped?

They helped me so much to access university after I was initially rejected and sent into Clearing. The Admissions department weren't aware of my caring circumstances and how that had affected my college study, but with the advocacy of KU Cares I was eventually offered a place. KU Cares also told me about the £500 Young Adult Carer bursary too, which has helped me to travel home more frequently to visit my family.

I attended Head Start, which is a three day residential Summer School which helps new students transition into university life. Through this scheme, I have met so many friends and it definitely helped me to settle into university. I have also become a student ambassador, working on outreach projects with local schools.

Emily at the Headstart event