A guide for student parents studying at University.

Contact:

2

Chapter 1: Funding 4Chapter 2: Benefits 7Chapter 3: Childcare 10Chapter 4: Pregnancy 12Chapter 5: Academic Issues 15Chapter 6: Social & Wellbeing 17

Advice Service: advice.su@manchester.ac.uk or you can drop in every day from 10:00-16:00.

Off-Campus Students enquires: offcampus.su@manchester.ac.uk

All details correct as of August 2015

Contents:

3

Coming to University can be a time of mixed emotions. The decisions and concerns you might have can be even more difficult if you have children to consider.

This booklet is designed to provide practical advice to help you study at The University of Manchester when you have children or happen to fall pregnant whilst at University. http://manchesterstudentsunion.com/studentparents

Welcome

Hi, and welcome to all new and returning student parents joining us this year - I’m Lucy, and I’m your Wellbeing Officer at the Students’ Union.

We appreciate that the added responsibilities you can face as a parent can sometimes act as a barrier when integrating into life at university; as a Union we are committed to supporting you throughout your time here so that you can enjoy your uni experience alongside your other commitments.

During Welcome Week, we will be providing a variety of activities and sessions to help ease this transition. Come along to the Student Parents and Carers Mingle, join the Family Picnic, or make the most of the Carnival Crèche while you explore all the other exciting things on offer this Welcome Week. Throughout the year we will be developing different activities and support for student parents.

Of course there’s more to uni than just Welcome week, and our Advice Service is available all year round if you are having significant difficulties juggling your studies and your home life. You can make an appointment or just drop in. You can find out more here: http://bit.ly/1tPUr4s

On behalf of myself and the rest of the Exec Team, we hope you enjoy the welcome experience, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with us - we have an open door policy!

4

Chapter 1: Funding

This section is for students who are from England and studying on a full-time, undergraduate course in 2015/16 and have not studied on a previous course.

If you have further questions about your specific circumstances, you can book an appointment or drop in to the Advice Service in the Students’ Union.

If you have already studied on a Higher Education course, live in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland or are studying on a NHS course, then pop into the Students’ Union Advice Service for more information on what your funding entitlement is.

• Household Income – SFE will ask you to provide details and evidence of income from the household where you normally live, so that your SFE entitlement can be calculated. If you’re caring for a child before the first day of the academic term, then you will usually be classed as an independent student. You will be assessed on the household income of your partner or yourself.

• Independent Students – There are different criteria used to consider if you’re an independent student. You will be considered to be an independent student if you’re aged 25 or over, if you’re married or in a civil partnership before the start of your course. You’re considered independent if you’re a parent of a child living with you or you’ve been financially independent for three years before the start of your course. Independent students are also those who have previously been living in the care of a Local Authority.

If you’re an independent student, your parents’ income will not be considered but your partner’s may be. SFE may require evidence that you’re an independent student, so make sure you apply for an assessment as soon as possible.

• Maintenance Loan – This is a repayable loan to help towards things such as your living costs, rent, food, course material and travel. The maintenance loan isn’t means-tested, so you will be entitled to this loan regardless of household income. Provided that you have applied to SFE in time, you will receive part of this loan during Welcome Week and the rest will be in two instalments at the start of each term. You can receive up to £5,740.

• Maintenance Grant – A non-repayable grant to help towards things such as your living costs, food, course material and travel. This maintenance grant is dependent on your parents’ income, and if their joint income is above £42,875 then you will not be entitled. Provided that you have applied to SFE in time, you will receive part of this loan during Welcome Week and the rest in two further instalments. You can receive up to £3,387.

• Tuition Fee Loan – The University of Manchester charges £9,000 per annum for its full-time, undergraduate courses to home students. Eligible students will be entitled to a loan to cover the tuition fees. The tuition fee loan isn’t means-tested and is paid directly to the University once you enrol.

Chapter 1: Funding

Student Finance Terminology

Chapter 1: Funding

5

1. Special Support Grant

If you’re a lone parent then you can claim the Special Support Grant instead of the Maintenance Grant. The amount of grant awarded is the same; however the Special Support Grant differs from the Maintenance Grant in the following ways:

1. It does not reduce the amount of Maintenance Loan that you receive, so you can receive the maximum of £5,740 a year

2. It’s not taken into consideration when calculating benefits

Some disabled students are also eligible to receive the Special Support Grant. If you believe that you fulfil the criteria for the Special Support Grant then make sure you complete section 9 of the PN1 Student Finance application form.

2. Parents’ Learning Allowance

Parents’ Learning Allowance is income assessed and the amount you are awarded will depend on your household income. The grant is paid in three instalments and does not have to be paid back. You can receive up to £1,573 a year. To make an application to the Parents’ Learning Allowance, you should complete section 9 of the PN1 form.

3. Adult Dependants’ Grant

This grant is only available if you live with a partner or other adult who is financially dependent on you. The Adult Dependants’ Grant is income assessed so the amount you receive depends on your household income. The grant is paid in three instalments across the year and does not have to be paid back. You can receive up to £2,757 a year.

To submit an application for this grant, you should complete section 9 of the PN1 form.

4. Childcare Grant

This grant is to assist students in paying for their childcare whilst enrolled on a full-time course. You are eligible if your child is under 15 years of age or under 17 if they have special educational needs. You don’t have to pay back the grant and you might be eligible for up to £155.24 a week for one child or £266.15 for two or more children. The childcare provider must be on the Ofsted Early Years Register or General Childcare Register. You can apply using the CCG1 form available online. Your eligibility for the Childcare Grant is dependent on several factors such as you or your partner claiming the childcare element of working tax credit or Universal Credit, or if you receive help for childcare costs from the NHS or to cover free childcare. For more detailed information, please speak to the Students’ Union Advice Service.

Specialist Funding for Students with Children

Studying Part-Time

If you decide to study part time, please be aware that the funding is limited. Providing that you are studying at least 25% of an equivalent full-time course that consists of 120 credits a year, then you may be entitled to a Tuition Fee Loan. If you are a part-time student, you may be entitled to a Tuition Fee Loan up to £6,750. You may also be entitled to a fee grant of up to £1,285, depending on course intensity plus a course grant of no more than £280.

Chapter 1: Funding

6

In addition to Student Finance support, The University of Manchester offers students further support. You might be entitled to additional funding or scholarships:

1. Manchester Bursary

The Manchester Bursary is available to any student registered on an eligible undergraduate course at The University of Manchester. Students that are eligible to receive NHS funding will not be entitled to the Manchester Bursary.

In order to qualify you must have had a full financial assessment carried out by Student Finance. The Manchester Bursary is based on household income and you will receive:

Household income Bursary

Up to £17,000 £3,000

£17,001 - £25,000 £2,000

£25,001 - £35,000 £1,000

This bursary is paid in three instalments, with 25% being paid in December 2015, 50% in February 2016 and 25% in April 2016. You don’t apply for the Bursary directly from The University of Manchester; application is through the tick-box ‘share my details with my University’ box when you complete your Student Finance application. This will allow the University to automatically identify students who are eligible for the Manchester Bursary.

2. Subject-Specific Scholarships

The University has a range of scholarships to support students studying on specific courses. Several Schools and Faculties have their own scholarships that are awarded based on specific criteria. For more information, please see www.manchester.ac.uk/studentfinance

3. Sports Scholarships

If you’re competing at regional, national or international level in your sport, then you may be eligible for a scholarship via SPORT Manchester Scholarship Scheme. The idea behind these Scholarships is to support students in balancing training and competing in sport with the pressures of studying for a degree.For more information, please see www.manchester.ac.uk/sport-scholarships

4. Manchester Hardship Fund

The University run a Manchester Hardship Fund that is designed to assist students facing difficulties meeting their essential living expenses.

To qualify for the Fund, students must be registered on a full-time programme or study a minimum of 60 credits and will normally have completed a year of study.

Priority will be given to the following groups:

1. Students with children

2. Final year students

3. Disabled students

4. Care leavers or homeless students

5. NHS funded students or undergraduate students from a low income background

For the full criteria, please go to: http://bit.ly/1JU8BgU It may be helpful for you to read the criteria before making an application. You can apply online through your My Manchester account and the Student Financial Support Team at the Student Services Centre assesses applications to the Hardship Fund. If your application is successful then you will be awarded a non-repayable lump sum of money to assist with your financial difficulties.

Additional Support

Chapter 2: Benefits

7

Most full-time students are not entitled to claim welfare benefits whilst they study. However, if you have children then you may be eligible for benefits. The Students’ Union Advice Service will be able to advise you on your entitlement for benefits and check your financial situation to ensure that you’re receiving everything that you’re entitled to.

If you’re eligible for benefits, then some of your Student Finance money will be taken into account when calculating how much benefit you are entitled to. If you have a partner, then they may be able to apply for benefits for both of you, depending on their circumstances. However, again, some of your Student Finance will be taken into account.

Please note that if you were in receipt of benefits before you start your course, you must inform the DWP that you are due to start University. The amount of benefits that you are entitled to may change. If you fail to inform the DWP you may be overpaid benefits.

Child Benefit

Child Benefit is available to all parents of a child aged up to 19 in full-time education. The amount you will receive is fixed at a rate per child:

• Firstchild-£20.50aweek

•Everyotherchild-£13.55aweek

Please note that if you or your partner earns over £50,000 a year you may have to pay a tax charge if you claim Child Benefit.

To make a claim, please see https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit/overview

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a new type of benefit designed to support people who are on a low income or out of work. It will replace six existing benefits and is currently being introduced across the UK. Universal Credit will be paid in one single monthly payment paid directly into a bank account. It will replace income based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income based Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax credit and Housing Benefit.Universal Credit is being introduced gradually into the UK, so it will depend on where you live as to whether or not you can claim this benefit. To make a claim for Universal Credit and check if it has been launched in your area, please see https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Chapter 2: Benefits

Benefit Entitlements for Students with Children

Chapter 2: Benefits

8

Child Tax Credit

You can get Child Tax Credit if you’re responsible for a dependant child under the age of 16 or under the age of 20 and in approved education or training. Any student loans and grants that you receive to meet the costs of your tuition, childcare, course-related or living costs are not taken into consideration when assessing your entitlement. However, if you receive the Adults Dependants’ Grant, it will be taken into account in full. The amount of Child Tax Credit that you are awarded will depend on your household income, plus circumstances.

Child Tax Credit will be paid into your bank account either weekly or every four weeks. If you receive the maximum amount of Child Tax credit but no Working Tax credit, then you will automatically be entitled to free school meals, free prescriptions plus dental treatment for the whole family.

To make a claim for Child Tax credit, please ring the helpline on 0345 300 3900.

Working Tax Credit

Students who are parents may be able to make a claim for Working Tax Credit if you have a dependant child or are a single parent working more than 16 hours a week. If you have a partner and a dependant child then jointly you must work 24 hours or more a week. Furthermore, if both of you work, then one must work 16 hours or more a week. If only one works then that person must work at least 24 hours a week.

The amount of Working Tax Credits that you will receive will depend on your income and circumstances, such as how much you earn and the number of children that you have.

To make a claim for Working Tax Credits, please ring the helpline on 0345 300 3900.

Income Support

You may be eligible for Income Support if you’re a single parent with a child under five years of age. When calculating how much Income Support you’re entitled to, your student loans and grants will be taken into account. This means that you may not actually receive any Income Support during term time. However, during the summer holidays, you may be entitled to Income Support as your Student Finance should be ignored.

To make a claim for Income Support, you can contact the Jobcentre on 0800 055 6688. Please note that in the area where you live, you may have to claim Universal Credit as this includes Income Support.

Jobseeker’s Allowance

If you are a single parent with a child under 16 and you are not working then you can apply for Jobseeker’s Allowance over the summer holiday. However, you must be actively seeking employment and be available to work.

To make a claim for Jobseeker’s Allowance you can make a claim online https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/how-to-claim. Alternatively you can call the Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688. Please note that in the area where you live, you may have to claim Universal Credit.

Chapter 2: Benefits

9

Housing Benefit

If you’re a single parent then you should be able to apply for Housing Benefit for the whole year. However, it’s important that you make sure that you get the Special Support Grant from Student Finance instead of the Maintenance Grant. This is because the Special Support Grant is disregarded for the purpose of Housing Benefit. Please note that as a single parent, you may have to contribute a small amount towards your rent during term time. However, during the summer holidays your Student Finance is ignored and you should receive full Housing Benefit.

If you have a partner then you may still be able to qualify for Housing Benefit, depending on your partner’s income as well as your own. Your partner may be able to make a claim for both of you.

Please note that Housing Benefit is restricted as to how much can be paid towards rent. Here’s a link to more information: https://www.gov.uk/housing-benefit/what-youll-get

To make a claim for Housing Benefit, you should contact your local council and ask for a form. It may be possible to download a form from your council’s website. Once you have completed the Housing Benefit application form, you should return it to the council with support evidence that has been requested. Below are the contact details of local councils:

• Manchester City Council www.manchester.gov.uk – 0161 234 5003

• Trafford Councilwww.trafford.gov.uk – 0161 912 2220

• Salford Councilwww.salford.gov.uk – 0161 794 4711

• Oldham Councilwww.oldham.gov.uk – 0161 770 6633

• Rochdale Councilwww.rochdale.gov.uk – 0300 303 8870

• Stockport Councilwww.stockport.gov.uk – 0161 217 6015

Council Tax

Most full-time students are exempt from paying council tax until they have completed or abandoned their course. If you’re single then you will not have anything pay. However, you are not automatically exempt, so you should contact The University of Manchester Student Services Centre for a council tax exemption certificate. Once you have received this exemption certificate you should send it to the council.

If you live with a non-student partner or another adult, then they will remain liable to pay council tax. Proving that there is only one adult non-student in your household, they will be able to apply for a Single Person Discount of 25% off council tax.

If you’re a part-time student then you’re not exempt from paying council tax but you may be eligible for Council Tax reduction. This will depend on your household income.

Chapter 3: Childcare

10

It’s important to arrange childcare before the start of your studies. Try to obtain your course timetable as soon as possible so that you can work out when you require childcare. You may also want to consider childcare for when you are not attending workshops and lectures as you will be required to undertake self-study such as reading and writing essays. Furthermore, you may require additional childcare around the exam period and coursework deadlines.

Minimum Attendance Policy

The University has a minimum attendance policy so you will be expected to attend classes and lectures regularly. This policy will be outlined in your course handbook. It’s important that you have adequate childcare in place so you are able to attend University and fulfil the attendance requirement.

Some courses also offer video podcasts for lectures, which will help with revision, but also for helping you manage childcare demands and attendance at University.

Childcare OptionsThere are different options when it comes to childcare:• Family or friends – they are unlikely to

be eligible for any financial assistance but may be a cheaper option

• Breakfast clubs – ideal for school aged children but may have limited hours

• Nursery – you might be eligible for support with fees

• Registered Childminder – you can get support with fees

You have to be able to get help with up to 85% of your childcare costs if you use a registered childcare provider in the form of the Childcare Grant.If you’re unsure what nursery school to send your child to, The University of Manchester is associated with two local nurseries that provide childcare close to campus. The nurseries are Dryden Street Nursery and Echoes Nursery. Both are open Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 17.30 for children aged six months to five years. Experienced personnel staff both nurseries in accordance to the local authority’s requirements. Plus, both nurseries qualify as registered care, so students may be able to claim the Childcare Grant or NHS Childcare Allowance.

Chapter 3: Childcare

Chapter 3: Childcare

11

Furthermore, the University offers a limited number of subsidised places for students that are not eligible for Student Finance, thus cannot claim the Childcare Grant. Here is a link to the application for a subsidised nursery place: http://bit.ly/1MkA8p5 Your application is based on your household income.

Contact Dryden Street Nursery on 0161 272 7121 or email admin.drydenstreetnursery@btconnect.com http://dryden-street-nursery.co.uk/

Contact Echoes Nursery on 0161 200 4979 or email network.nurseries@lineone.net www.networknurseries.co.uk

Places at Nurseries

Please note that there are a limited number of places for the above-mentioned nurseries which might make it difficult to obtain a place. You should consider alternative nurseries that are close to the University or closer to where you live, whether that’s on campus or within Greater Manchester. The Manchester Family Information Service has a directory where you can search for alternative nurseries http://bit.ly/1JOGCzA

Chapter 4: Pregnancy

12

If you think that you might be pregnant then it’s important that you speak to your GP as soon as possible so that you can plan and explore what options are available to you. It will help you to ensure your wellbeing and access to locally provided support services. The majority of benefits and additional student support are only available once your baby is born. However, you can prepare by completing as many of the forms as you can before your baby is born. Once your baby is born, you can complete information such as your child’s date of birth. This will save you in having to complete long forms whilst caring for a newborn baby.

Below is information on what benefits you may be entitled to:

• Income Support and Housing Benefit - As mentioned earlier in the booklet,

as a student you cannot claim Income Support or Housing Benefit unless you fulfil certain criteria. One of these criteria is that you are a lone parent. If you’ll be living alone with your baby then you may be eligible for Income Support once your baby is born. Furthermore, you should be eligible for Housing Benefit.

• Universal Credit – As mentioned earlier, you may have to claim Universal Credit if this has been introduced in the area where you live. Again, you will be unable to claim Universal Credit until you have a baby.

If you have worked prior to having a baby then you may be able to claim maternity benefits. If you are a postgraduate research student that has registered with the University for at least 26 weeks prior to the 15th week before the expeceted week of delivery and are in receipt of a stipend from the Research Council or the University then you may also be entitled to maternity pay:

• Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) – You may be entitled to SMP if you have

been employed continuously for 26 weeks by the 15th week before the expected week of delivery. You must have average weekly earnings of £111 a week. If you fulfil this, then you will be paid 90% of your average wage for the first six weeks. You will then receive £139.58 a week or 90% of your average for the remaining 33 weeks. You will receive whichever payment is the lowest. If you and your partner opt for Statutory Shared Parental Leave then the rates are the same.

• Contractual Maternity Pay (CMP) – Some employers will offer a more

generous maternity package than required by law. You should check with your employer and contract of employment for further information.

• Maternity Allowance (MA) – You may receive MA if you do not qualify for SMP. You must have been employed for 26 weeks or 66 part weeks by the 15th week before the expected week of delivery. You must also have an average earning of over £30 a week. You will then receive £139.58 a week or 90% of your average for the remaining 33 weeks.

Chapter 4: Pregnancy

Benefits and Financial Support

Chapter 4: Pregnancy

13

As well as thinking about your funding if you’re pregnant, you should also think about what options are available to you regarding your academic studies. It’s highly recommended that you speak to your personal tutor or academic advisor, student support officer or welfare officer or programme director about what options are available to you. This may involve decisions about whether you wish to continue your studies or interrupt them for a period of time.

You may want to discuss:

• Where does your due date fall in relation to the end of semester and/or year?

• What will the academic demands on you be, between now and your due date? For example, will you be required to work on placements, attend field trips, work in labs, or undertake other activities?

• If you work in a hazardous environment such as a lab, then a risk assessment may have to be completed for Health and Safety reasons. It may be possible to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate you. If not, then it may be possible to set alternative assessments or defer them until a later date.

• Will you be due to sit any exams prior to maternity leave? If so, will this be reasonable at that point in your pregnancy? Might you need any special arrangements such as a separate room to allow toilet breaks or rest periods? Can you defer your exams to the next exam period if necessary?

• Do you need to consult with Occupational Health for Students or your GP in order to answer these questions?

These discussions will help you establish if you are able to continue with your studies or if you should interrupt. Try to be realistic when setting your date for leave. If this is your first pregnancy and you are unsure of how to anticipate the demands on your body then you could talk to Occupational Health for Students. They can advise you on what it might be reasonable to expect of yourself at different stages of a pregnancy.

If you decide to interrupt your studies, then you can do so from 28 weeks of pregnancy for a period of 12 months. Any interruption taken must be consecutive. Please note that it is not permissible for women in the UK to return to work less than two weeks after giving birth.

When deciding how long to interrupt your studies, you should consider when your baby is due, how long you want to spend away from your studies and how your interruption will fit into the academic year. Finally, NHS-funded students may still receive their NHS bursary during their maternity leave.

It’s important to note that The University of Manchester will not normally consider pregnancy to be a reason for mitigating circumstances. However, if you experience pregnancy-related illnesses that have a significant adverse impact on you, then this could be grounds for mitigating circumstances. Mitigating circumstances on the basis of pregnancy will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Pregnancy and Studying

Chapter 4: Pregnancy

14

If you decide to interrupt your studies to have a baby then you should be aware of the funding implications. For most people, funding is straightforward. Currently, every student is entitled to Student Finance funding for the length of their course plus one additional year. The calculation is below:

Ordinary duration of course (usually 3 or 4 years) + 1 year - years of previous study

This means that if you’ve studied at Higher Education level before, the years of previous study will be deducted from your entitlement. Therefore, if you interrupt due to pregnancy and you have not had any previous study then you will still be entitled to full Student Finance support.

Furthermore, if you have had previous study then you may be able to argue that you had to interrupt your studies due to Compelling Personal Reasons. It’s at the discretion of Student Finance whether or not to award you an additional year’s funding due to Compelling Personal Reasons.

Interruptions and Repeating a Year

Chapter 5: Academic Issues

15

Studying full time and caring for children can be tough. However, the University has a variety of staff that can help you. As well as your personal tutor and lecturers, your School or Faculty may have a Student Support Office that can offer support with academic issues. Furthermore, the Library offers courses on study skills called My Learning Essentials that you may find useful: http://bit.ly/1Ivubql

The Students’ Union Advice Service offers free, impartial and independent advice. If at any point you struggle with your studies then speak to as many people as possible.

Attendance

It’s important that you attend classes and lectures on a regular basis. The University has a minimum attendance policy. This policy will be contained in your Student Handbook that can be found on My Manchester. If you do not meet the minimum attendance requirements then you can be withdrawn from the University. Therefore, it’s important that if you are unable to attend that you inform your School as soon as possible. Sometimes, it may be possible to attend another seminar group. However, you would have to speak to your school about the possibility of this.

Group Work

As well as lectures and classes, you may have to participate in group work. Group work involves several students organising their time so that they can work together on projects or presentations which is often assessed. Group work will not be timetabled into your schedule so it can make it difficult to fit this around your childcare. Furthermore, students that do not have the same time demands and caring responsibilities may not understand how difficult it is to attend group sessions.

It’s a good idea to talk to your personal tutor and course director early on to ask if group work is required. If so, you could discuss group allocation and when is a good time for group work to take place. This will hopefully help with childcare arrangements and you may find a group who understand your restrictions. You might want to let your group know about your circumstances and, if you feel comfortable, explain why group work can sometimes be challenging. Additionally, you could work with your group to develop alternative ways for you to be part of the group work activities more easily such as using Skype for meetings or keeping up to date with group tasks by organising the project using online project management tools such as Trello or Asana.

Chapter 5: Academic Issues

Chapter 5: Academic Issues

16

Placements

Some courses have mandatory placements that you must attend to pass the unit. You should check before you start University if your course has such placements, as these are common on nursing, social work or dentistry courses. If you are required to attend placements, it’s important that you have adequate childcare arrangements.

You may find it difficult fitting placements around childcare responsibilities. Therefore, it’s important that you make your School aware of your circumstances. You could speak to your personal tutor or course director about your commitments and ask that any placement you are sent on is suitable for you. For example, you could ask that the placement is accessible by being close to where you live or your child’s nursery or school. Additionally, some courses include a ‘Year in Industry’, as an option, so speak to your personal tutor and the employer about arrangements which could be made to support you whilst being a student parent.

You should read your Student Handbook so that you are familiar with the absence procedure when on placement. It’s important that you are aware of who you have to contact and when, plus what evidence you will need to provide.

Illness

If you or your child is ill and you are unable to attend University, it is important that you let your School know as soon as possible. As mentioned earlier in the booklet, the University has a minimum attendance policy. If you miss too many lectures without explanation, then you could be withdrawn from the course.

Information regarding how to report an absence will be in the Course Handbook. However, usually, you will have to inform your personal tutor, course director or School office. If you are absent for more than a week, you may have to obtain a sick note.

Mitigating Circumstances

Mitigating circumstances is a procedure that you can follow to inform your School if you experience circumstances beyond your control that have an adverse impact on your academic performance. You can submit mitigating circumstances if you experience things such as physical or mental health difficulties or a bereavement.

In your application for mitigating circumstances, you’re expected to write a statement explaining what has happened, how this affected you and how this impacted on your studies. However, you will need evidence from a third party, such as a doctor or counsellor, to confirm your mitigating circumstances application. The Students’ Union Advice Service can assist you in checking your statement.

Chapter 6: Social & Wellbeing

17

There are different activities that you can get involved in, both as a student and with your child.

Support for Student Parents

At the Students’ Union, we host monthly term-time activities for student parents so you can bring your child to different fun activities such as arts and crafts, family BBQ and a sports day. It’s a good opportunity to meet with other student parents as well as providing a safe, fun and creative space for your children. In addition, during the Welcome Fair at the Students’ Union, there will be a drop-in creche run by a professional nursery service to give student parents a chance to experience the different activities on offer as part of Welcome. Events and further information will be posted on the Students’ Union website: http://bit.ly/1Ldil5R

At the Students’ Union, there is an Off-Campus Students Project Coordinator, whose role is to develop support for students who live at home, mature students and student parents. You can contact them about any queries regarding student life as a parent. Furthermore, the Advice Service is able to answer questions you may have about student life, pregnancy, benefits, finance and housing. http://bit.ly/1tPUr4s

At the Students’ Union, we also have eight full-time elected officers to represent the views of students and campaign for changes to improve support for students, including student parents. Their contact details and

manifestos can be found on the Students’ Union website at: http://bit.ly/1CDSefh

The University of Manchester Equality & Diversity (E&D) Team is responsible for implementing the University’s E&D policy and embedding a commitment to be an accessible organisation for both students and staff. If you feel you have faced issues of bullying, harassment and discrimation they will be able to support you to resolve the issue anonymously. More information and contact details can be found on their website: http://bit.ly/1q2yvRQ

The Counselling Service at the University provides group classes and 121 sessions for when being a student and a parent sometimes feels a bit too much. More information can be found on their website: http://bit.ly/1uY4010

If you have any further questions about wellbeing support whilst studying at Manchester, you can find answers located in the Watch your Wellbeing Booklet which is available online here: http://bit.ly/1MkADzD

Chapter 6: Social & Wellbeing

Chapter 6: Social & Wellbeing

18

Activities

There are plenty of activities that you can be involved in aside from the montly Student Parents meetings. You could participate or be a trip leader for the Daytrippers project, where you can volunteer to help out with organising a trip for students who don’t live in Manchester. Previous trips have included watching an FC United Game and a walk in Hebden Bridge. Additionally, there’s an active Living at Home Society who host events across the city to help students who live at home whilst studying to meet other students and feel part of the student community! Similarly, the Mature Students Society run regular events targeted at students who are over 21 which you might be able to get involved with.

There are over 450 student societies at Manchester including sports, academic, campaigning, religious and cultural, arts and media societies which you can get involved in. During Welcome Week, most societies will be represented at the Welcome Fair where you can sign up to receive emails or to Facebook groups to learn about their events and activities.

More information about each society, including how to sign-up, can be found on the Students’ Union website here: http://bit.ly/1omSgkn

The Students’ Union is also a campaigning organisation which seeks to represent students’ voices through student-led campaigning. You can join an existing campaign group, such as Save our NHS or Fossil Free, or you can start your own and receive campaign training and funding! For more information, go to: http://bit.ly/1JCn3rL

There are lots of activities that you can get involved in as a student! If you have any questions about this or would like more information about how to get involved, please email:offcampus.su@manchester.ac.uk

19

Notes:

WE ARE HEREMonday - Friday 10am until 4pmLocated on the Ground Floor of the Students’ Union building

Drop in, make an appointment by emailing advice.su@manchester.ac.uk or call 0161 275 2952