I am 54.
In 1999 I took a Diploma in Counselling at Strathclyde Uni (BACP accred) I then worked for 5 years.
In 2004 I had my 1st child, in 2007 my 2nd. Both have Autism. I was left with mobility difficulties from the birth. My H was unsupportive & left us so I've been a single parent for the last 5 years. I am now a f/t Carer for my teenagers but they are 17 & 14 now so I want to plan to return to my Career, at least part time.
I think I would need to re-take my qualifications if I wanted to return to Counselling. I can't get insurance for private practice without evidence of an ongoing client list. And no one will take me on to gain those 100 hours recent experience evidence unless it is part of a current course.
There is a modern version of my old Strathclyde Uni Diploma avialable as a local part time HND which would be ideal. But its £££ (for me, I'm on Income Suppport). It's £2.5K plus £4K Supervision fees. Ouch.
What I really want to do long term is Study Divinity at Edinburgh Uni. They offer a part time course and I could physically access it. But I think I'd need evidence of study at HND level in the last 3 years. So, maybe I can take the Counselling course first as it is at HND level. It is a prof qualification in itself & might provide access to Ed Uni for me.
But how to fund all this? I paid for my own course in 1999 but I did do part of an Undergrad degree at Edinburgh way back in 1991. I completed my 1st year. I was badly attacked on campus during my 2nd yr and needed some months of medical treatment. I tried again the next year but momentum was lost & I stopped completely. But, I had 3 yrs of student loan which was not paid back as I never earned enough then became a Carer. It Timed Out and was formally written off 4 years ago when I was 50. It was under my maiden name but I assume linked to my NI number so no point not being honest about it.
Does this mean I cannot access any funding now? I am in Scotland and in receipt of income support so normally I could but I dont' know if the loan from 30 years ago will mess it up? I cannot get a reply from Saas and I would have to apply for the course on Monday. Erk.