Education and work

Education

If you are currently in education/training your Young Lives Vs Cancer Social Worker can help you to liaise with your tutors regarding time off or deferring your studies, lesson plans and working at home, liaising with the exam officer at school or university and support you in preparing to return to your studies.  Support can also be offered to those wanting to return to a new course as a result of time away from education or those wanting a change of direction.

Below are some allowances and support you could be eligible for:

Parents Learning Allowance (gov.uk)

Full-time students with children could get up to £1,963 a year (2024-2025 academic year) to help with their learning costs. This is called Parents’ Learning Allowance.

The money can help pay for books, study materials and travel. How much you get depends on your household income.

Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)

DSAs are grants (which don't have to be paid back) that could help you cover study related costs because of a mental health problem, long-term health condition (cancer is classed as this) or any other disability (examples include specialist equipment, note takes, additional travel costs).

The amount you get will depend on your individual needs, rather than your family's household income and the intensity of a course and you may be required to attend a needs assessment.

Discretionary learner support

If you’re aged 19 or over, on a further education course and facing financial hardship, you could get Discretionary Learner Support (DLS).  DLS can help pay for things you need to attend your course or study that are not covered by your course fees, for example travel costs, accommodation, materials and equipment, a laptop and wifi, childcare with an Ofsted Registered Childcare Provider.

You apply to your learning provider (e.g. your college) for DLS. How much you get depends on your circumstances.

Development Awards - The Prince's Trust

Development awards up to £500 are available to help young people move into education, training or employment.

The grants are available to young people aged 16-30 years studying less than 14 hours a week or not in compulsory education or unemployed or working less than 16 hours per week

The grant can be used to fund accredited course fees up to Level 3 (A-level equivalent); tools, equipment or uniforms for a job or qualification; job licence fees; transport to a new job until your first pay slip

To apply complete the on-line enquiry form or see www.princes-trust.org.uk

 

Further Information and Support

 

Bright Futures UK - www.brightfuturesuk.org

Supports children and young people back into education after taking time out due to a long term mental health or physical condition.

Contact - www.contact.org.uk

Provides information, advice and signposting for parents and carers in any part of the UK with a disabled child aged from birth to 25.

Work

Navigating employment and cancer can be tricky but your TYA team are happy to support you. If you are currently employed your Young Lives vs Cancer Social Worker can support you in liaising with your employer regarding sick leave and sick pay entitlement, accessing support from your union or other organisations and support in liaising with your employer about returning on a planned phased return.

This support is also available to your partner and/parents if they find that they need to take time off work to support you or need to request flexible working hours.

If you want to find employment and would like support in employability skills such as job searching, completing application forms or interviews talk to your CNS or Teenage Cancer Trust Youth Support Coordinator, alternatively we can make a referral for you to access the Boost service.

Here are some other resources to access for employment support: