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Original poster

Depressed. Uneducated. Too poor to learn.

21 replies

MidwifeDreams · 06/09/2018 20:22

I left school during college and got a job. When I was 20 I had DC1. I stayed at home and had a few more kids.

I got ill and my DH left.

I've been on ESA for a few years. I'm still not well but I'm trying to look to the future.

I can't work right now. But I thought I could do an access to midwifery course long distance.

I just looked any it's £3k+

I could never afford that.
And that just the access. Not the midwifery

I just feel a bit sad. It's something I always wanted to do and I feel like my illness has robbed me of that and so, so much more.

I wanted to do something to feel REAL again. To use my brain.

Maybe midwifery was setting my goals way too high but I just wanted to feel like I was working towards something :(

OP posts:
sleepismysuperpower1 · 06/09/2018 20:26

what about trying an online college course? it may be cheaper although i dont know much about them.

something like this may suit you. it is free and you can unsubscribe at any time.

www.open.edu/openlearn/health-sports-psychology/social-care/caring-hospitals/content-section-0?active-tab=description-tab

WakeUpFromYourDreamAndScream · 06/09/2018 20:27

If you do the course at a local college even part time you would be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan for an access course which you don't pay back if you go on to study in higher education. Long distance learning with a 'private' college/company is always going to be more expensive than if you do the course at your local college.

Does the long distance course not come with the Advanced Learner loan?

overnightangel · 06/09/2018 20:28

@MidwifeDreams A lady with (24) , we work in care work, minimum wage, she is fantastic, exactly the kid of person you’d want looking after you , left school with no qualifications. Son aged 5, lone parent. This year she is re sitting gcse English, maths next year, year after access to HE course, then uni, hoping to do midwifery.
Don’t undersell yourself, it’s doable
Pm if you want to chat or any advice

goose1964 · 06/09/2018 20:31

Do local colleges offer free or discounted courses if you're on benefits? I know they used to

Sharptic · 06/09/2018 20:33

I did an access course for an nhs degree and it was funded, every mature student was entitled to the loan as it was non means tested.

The loan was written off when I completed the degree

You may not get the midwifery degree funded but the loans are , I believe equivalent to the bursary , if not better. I had a maintenance loan but the repayments haven't even been deducted as I don't earn enough yet

Good luck and try not to be disheartened, u can do it x

Sharptic · 06/09/2018 20:36

Also, I looked around for access courses and the one at my local uni did a flexible timetable,so I only did two days a week (long 10am-9pm, with lots of breaktimes), crammed it all in! Could something like that be a possibility

DevonshireCreamTea · 06/09/2018 20:36

Hi OP
You can apply for a 19+ advance learner loan through student finance which will cover all the costs except exam fees. However with exam fees if you earn under 15k (not inc. benefits) you can apply for funding to have them paid for also. The exam fees are £110. Im about to start the access course this tuesday so have literally just had to do all the finance applications myself. They were super easy to do.
You can also do it via distance learning if a local college offers it so you could do it in the evenings (thats the option i have gone for)
Good luck. Where you are now is not forever.

DevonshireCreamTea · 06/09/2018 20:37

Oh and if you go onto do nursing/midwifery you don't need to repay the access course loan back.

WrongKindOfFace · 06/09/2018 20:38

Yes, colleges can/do offer fee reductions for people on low incomes. However you may not be eligible to do a full time course if you’re on some benefits.

To be honest if you’re too unwell to work starting with a big course like access to midwifery, even by distance learning, might be tough. Maybe start with something shorter, and part time? Small steps towards your goal. And actually distance learning can be really hard going. I’d pick a classroom over home learning any day.

I don’t know how old your children are but you won’t be able to do a midwifery course with children who aren’t old enough to look after themselves overnight unless you have family to care for them or can afford overnight care.

AdaColeman · 06/09/2018 20:43

Have a look at the Future Learn website. IIRC there are a couple of courses available that help you get back into the swing of studying. All their courses are free, so worth giving one a try.
Lots of luck!

overnightangel · 06/09/2018 20:50

Excellent advice @Sharpeic spot on
You can do it!

chocolateworshipper · 06/09/2018 21:51

You could speak to your local college and find out what courses they offer for free and also to explain the rules about the advance learner loan.

WaitrosePigeon · 06/09/2018 22:12

Do an open uni degree. It will be paid for via student finance England - everyone gets that

TheBigFatMermaid · 06/09/2018 22:20

I did an access course. It was once a week from 9.30-3, to allow for school drop offs/pick ups.

I think it cost something ridiculous like £250, which even that could be paid in instalments.

That was in 2011. I know there have been massive cuts, and t is not offered here anymore, but have a good look at all adult education centres and local colleges and you may come up with something.

NoToast · 07/09/2018 08:21

Are you clear on what midwifery entails as work, is it suitable for you? My friend's a midwife and sometimes works very long shifts with no breaks for food or drink. I'm not sure how the job varied but I would think you would need to do a lot of over nights at least while training.

Original poster
MidwifeDreams · 07/09/2018 16:56

My issues aren't physical. I would have no problem with overnights.

I think it's just a pipe dream and not practical. Maybe I should set my sights a little lower

OP posts:
MishMashMosher · 07/09/2018 17:00

You can get an advanced learner loan to pay for your access course. I can't go to college for many reasons so I am doing an access to Higher education course online instead. It's tough and you have to be motivated but I'm so glad I'm doing it. Don't give up yet! I will be applying for my uni place for nursing in the next few months. Pm me if you have any questions. I'd be happy to help you.

Chewbecca · 07/09/2018 17:01

Have no practical experience to offer, others will, but just wanted to say you do not write like an uneducated person, you clearly have a brain, don't give up.

MishMashMosher · 07/09/2018 17:03

Just to warn you though, midwifery is EXTREMELY competitive. You would need so much work experience and fantastic grades to get in. 100s apply for every place.

donajimena · 07/09/2018 17:07

I went to university last year. I did a foundation degree year which gave me 120 ucas credits.
Is there a university near you that you could speak with? I got a student loan and grant (due to being a lp) it was quite generous.
I'm due to embark on my undergrad in a week.
All is not lost.

tedx · 07/09/2018 17:21

What are your health issues if you don't mind saying?

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