Let’s Talk About Caring Responsibilities

We understand that being a student can be challenging, especially when you also take on the responsibility of caring for someone else. We’re here to help you! We hope the information below offers some assistance and support during this time.

University Support:

1. Carers Support Plan/Passport:

Understanding the challenges and unpredictability that come with caring responsibilities, students may receive a formal document designed to offer flexibility or suggest adjustments for assignment deadlines, teaching, and placement support. We acknowledge that managing these aspects independently can be tough. If you would like to explore the support and adjustments available at Newcastle University, please reach out to a Disability Advisor by emailing disabilityadvisor@ncl.ac.uk to schedule an appointment.

2. Counselling Service:

The university’s counselling service offers a confidential and safe environment where you can discuss concerns and your experiences with a trained professional. They currently utilise a 1 + 1 approach to counselling, available in-person, by phone, or through video/audio calls on Microsoft Teams. If you would like to inquire or seek support, please fill out the following form: Counselling Service Enquiry Form

3. The Carers’ Network

Provides assistance to postgraduate students who are also caregivers by hosting casual gatherings like lunches. To become a part of the Carers’ Network mailing list, simply fill out their online form available here: Carers’ Network Mailing List

4. The Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Service

Here to support you while you’re studying. You can access it through the university’s Student Health and Wellbeing Service. This service is open to all students and staff, regardless of your faith background.

Local Networks and National Charities:

A great place to ask questions – things you might have been wondering about but did not really know who to ask, but also a safe space for carers to talk and be heard.

Provides a range of practical services and holistic support to those who are caring for someone.

Tel: 01912755060

Text: 07874100043

A national charity with up-to-date information and advice on money and benefits, practical help and support for now, the future and emergencies.

Offers a wide range of resources and information for anyone who is an unpaid carer and for those who works with unpaid carers.

Anti Racism Spring Updates

  • Yinka joined as Anti-Racism Lead on the DClinPsy; part of role is to facilitate a reflective space for racially minoritised trainees every 6 weeks.
  • Our most recent workstream meeting was on 12 April 2024.
  • The final mentee workshop was on 21 June 2024 (2-4pm): included a keynote speaker talk on her journey into clinical psychology and coping with setbacks (Dr Denika Campbell-Lee); trainee psychologist talk on “ The tree of life: reflections on our journeys so far, self-care, and coping with setbacks” (Louise Ola and Chelsea Addy); and a facilitated reflective space (Dr Yinka Oladokun and Louise Ola).
  • Plans for next round of mentoring arrange and criteria for mentees established:
    (1) Interest in applying to Newcastle, (2) Belonging to underrepresented racially minoritised group, (3) 2:1 in psychology or 2:2 plus additional post-graduate qualification, (4) Plan to submit application in November 2024.