Learning for Living

About Learning for Living

Learning for Living is a unique course for unpaid carers that helps break down the barriers to learning and work. It was developed by City & Guilds in partnership with Carers Scotland and is the first flexible e-learning programme of its kind in the UK and Europe. It builds on the experiences carers have gained and provides them with the knowledge, skills and confidence they might need to get back to work or go on to further training, for their careers or personal aspirations. It is a flexible course that can de delivered to any learner, anywhere with access to the internet. The course is accompanied by an optional accredited City & Guilds qualification: 'The Certificate in Personal Development & Learning for Unpaid Carers'.

Background

Over 660,000 people in Scotland look after a family member, partner or friend who cannot manage because they are ill, frail or have a disability. The number of unpaid carers is expected to increase by 60% by 2037 yet surveys show that carers’ needs including the right resources to support their caring role are only being partially met. These needs range from a requirement for better services and effective information to support them in their caring role, through to emotional support and a say in service planning and provision. As well as ensuring the well being of the person receiving care, carers should also have the freedom to lead lives of their own and develop their skills.

About the Pilot Scheme

To date 160 Scottish carers have trialled the course. Evaluations highlight how positive carers view the course "It made me look at my caring role from a new perspective, and made me realise the skills I have acquired along the way".

The Scottish Executive funded the successful pilot scheme which ran in four colleges and an independent training provider in two phases from Autumn 2005. The second phase of the pilot commenced in Spring and will continue throughout the coming months.

The Next Steps

City & Guilds, Carers Scotland and the training and delivery partners, particularly Glasgow Nautical College who is committed to providing the core learning support, are committed to the roll out of the programme across Scotland over the coming years. Director, Pat Begley, comments: ‘This course provides a wonderful opportunity for carers’ experience and skills to be recognised and validated. Hopefully, it will empower carers to take up new opportunities and enable them to play a key role, as equal and expert partners, in the delivery of care services. We are indebted to the Scottish Executive for funding the pilot. If it proves to be successful we hope that it will be rolled out across Scotland. If this happens it will have a profound impact on carers and the ways in which they are viewed

Read more about Learning for Living here