Funding

[thornrose]

Hi,I am a single parent and planning to be a (very) mature student next September. I need to do an access course in order to get onto my chosen uni course but the access course is full time for 1 year. I need to know what financial help is available (if any!) I guess I won't qualify for Income Support as a student. I've looked at SO many websites but there isn't a definitive answer. Any help gratefully received?

you can get IS as a student on this course, along with the usual.

apply to the colleges fund for help with childcare costs (if any).

also google Adult Learning Fund, through Manchester council. they run a nationwide scheme, allowing up to £30 a week.

HTH? and i loved my access!

thanks so much that does help. Not keen on the idea of being on IS for a year (been there got the t-shirt!) but the end result will be worth it I suppose. I'll check out the Adult Learning Fund. Hopefully won't need childcare as 7 year old is at school, depending on hours maybe breakfast and after school clubs. Thanks again.

I love my Access too, was a fabulous year that really prepped me for Uni

if you call the college they should be able to book you in with an advisor who will outline all available funding for you, many collegess ahve access funds to help people like yourself but they're first come fiorst served, so you need to apply sooner rather than later

That's so good to hear. I was thinking of doing an OU course and carry on working but I'd have to be SO motivated. I haven't studied for years so I need to be with others back in a learning environment. I'n not planning on starting until September 2008 so I have lots of time. Good tip about calling the college direct. I'm planning on becoming an Occupational therapist, it's really scary embarking on this now as I'm 40 (oh my god) but it's something I desperately want to do. Thanks for positive replies. I've been looking at websites all day and got the answers on mumsnet in a couple of hours, nice one!

There were plenty of poeple older than you on our course (I was 33), don't worry about it. Oldest woman on my degfree course is in her 80's, she's doping amazingly well

ask the college fund NOW, it goes fast! they can help with travel, childcare, books, folders etc.

Peachy, the old lady is doping really well?

lol

looking forward to it even more now especially if there's a doped up 80 year old on my course!!

sorry if that offended anyone!!

Ladies

I am doing workld religions

There are MANY doped up old pople on my course LOL!

mine are all serious - Social Work.