Charity Grants

[Leah Hulse]

Has anyone looked at the directgov.uk website on the grants and bursaries section? I have been having a major dilemma this past couple of weeks knowing that my college fees are due for my final year of Access and knowing that I can't afford to pay them. I visited the Finance department at my college to have a chat about my circumstances and because i'm not in receipt of certain benefits, I can't apply for learning support. I got myself so upset because i've been getting the Distinction grades I need for the Midwifery, and i've been doing all the extra's that will help me in my journey to becoming a midwife, but money always seems to get in the way. The college usually help students out by offering them6 months to pay their fees but this would mean around £87 per month which I could not even entertain so they then agreed for me to pay over the year which works out around £30 per month. I've still come away knowing full well i'm not going to be able to afford that £30 per month so i went on the government website and clicked on the grants and bursaries section which led me to 'family action'. I filled in a few details and then it searched over 1000 charities who offer grants for study, and so I now have 4 charities in my local area who I can apply to and see if they can help me. It's well worth a look if you are struggling to pay college fees. I just need to keep my fingers crossed now because if they can't help me, I may need to increase my work hours which could then have an effect on the grades i'm able to achieve. It's such a rollercoaster ride.

[Miss Duke]

Access fees are a huge bug bear of mine. I think mature adults who are trying to gain academic qualifications with an aim to achieving a graduate job in the future really should be cut a little slack!

Where I am, all fulltime access students automatically get the course for free - you don't pay a penny or have to apply for finance or anything. Part time access students have to pay a deposit, which generally is refunded after the student applies for their fees to be paid through student finance, this is not means tested, and everyone in my class who had not previpusly studied at this level got their fees paid.

I was extremely lucky that my college offer the part time access option, I did two evenings a week and so could continue working. In addition to having our fees paid, some students also got a means tested grant towards travel costs and books, and access to the college hardship fund if needed (I didn't require either since I was lucky to be able to work).

I find it very frustrating that there is inconsistancy throughout the UK with this, its very unfair on the likes of yourself.

Anyway, I apologise that my rant has not helped you! I wish you the best of luck, clearly you are a good student, so surely the college should do all they can to help you stay there! I really hope that these charities are able to provide some assistance x

[Dappy]

Hopefully they can help you out Leah. I think there used to be more funding for adult learning but its been one of the cut backs unfortunately.

Which I think is really daft as I would say the majority don't actually know what they want to do at the age of 16, I know didn't. So end up re-studying later on in life.

[Miss Duke]

Plus, with unempoloyment so high and such tough competition for jobs, many adults have had to 'start again' with regards their career, and I think this should be encouraged by providing some financial assistance!

[nasus1978]

I really hope you get some luck with the charities Leah - to be doing so well then have this hanging over you must be awful :(

[sof76]

oooo Leah i was trying to find out if there was funding available to do my access course so this might help me if i cant get it any where else x

[Midwife hopeful for 2014]

Thanks for this information, I only need to do the human biology module of access course. I have the choice of doing the full access course at my local college 1 mile away which is £350 but can get the 24+ loan to cover it. It's 2&1/2 days plus the same home study.....or go to a college 7miles away and only do the one module 4hrs per week on an evening (which is great for childcare reasons) but this will cost me £750 as cannot get the loan to cover one module :-( I think it's so unfair, I'm going to do the part time as want to spend as much time with my baby and toddler as I can before (hopefully-fingers crossed) I go to uni next year. I will try and apply to some charities like you've suggested as really don't have £750!!! Good luck with everything x

[Dappy]

How about doing the biology module with the DLC? If all you need is a module?

You can pay in monthly instalments and its distance learning.

[Midwife hopeful for 2014]

That sounds like something to to think about. I will check with the unis that I am applying for that this will be sufficient.
Thanks again Dappy, I love this site!

[Dappy]

Also the 24+ loan was mentioned above. Please be aware -

To get the loan written off after completing your diploma and your degree, you have to firstly complete the Diploma, then get a place at university, and then finish the degree.

If you you do not finish the Diploma then you are left with the debt
If you do not get a place at university you are left with the debt
If you do not finish your degree you are left with the debt

The debt is not interest free.

Just to think about likes. No one wants to be left with a debt.

[Midwife hopeful for 2014]

It does not need to be paid back until you are earning over 21k or thereabouts so figured if have a bit spare by then ha. I am going to ask my dad for help. He's always said to ask if I need anything but never do so feel this 'ask' is justified!

[Dappy]

I didn't know that, least that's not too bad then.