Student carers form a broad group that includes young carers in school or in further or higher education, and higher education students with parental or other care responsibilities. All might experience inequalities that may limit progression at each stage of their educational journey. In this meeting we will be hearing how colleagues at Cardiff University are supporting their students who are carers.

Lena Smith, Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd

Lena has worked in higher education in Wales for 18 years with underrepresented students and the barriers that they face. She is currently the Together at Cardiff Manager at Cardiff University.

Together at Cardiff / Gyda’n gilydd yng Nghaerdydd provides dedicated support to students who are asylum seekers, estranged, carers, military experienced and care experienced.

Fostering Belonging and Community

In this session Lena will share how Together at Cardiff provides support to student carers of all ages to foster belonging and community. Lena will also discuss strategies that can be employed for the provision of activities and events on small budgets, raising awareness across campus of the barriers that student carers might face and for the gathering of the Student Voice.