Student Parents and Carers Empowered society
Published: 24 August 2020
One of the many societies available to students at St George’s is the Student Parents and Carers Empowered (SPACE) society. It aims to bring together students at St George’s with caring responsibilities to provide a support network of fellow student carers.
Lola Arowoshola is President of SPACE and explains more about the society and how new students can get involved.
“SPACE is a student led welfare group that is run by student volunteers who innately understand the difficulties of studying with caring responsibilities. We are committed to providing students with caring responsibilities support throughout their studies. Our active Facebook group provides a forum with a wealth of information as well as opportunities to meet students in similar circumstances from different courses.
“Our aim is to ensure that every student, regardless of their caring circumstances, is able to access the same quality of education as any other. We provide members with a safe space to share concerns, ask for advice, and request advocacy and representation when dealing with academic issues.
“All students (undergraduates and postgraduates) can join SPACE by emailing space@su.sgul.ac.uk with your course, year of study, and the nature of your caring responsibility. There is no fee to become a member and the University is not privy to our members list.
“I’d advise to join SPACE as early as possible in your university career, ideally before you start studying, so that you can link up with students with caring responsibilities in more senior years on your course. Having an informal chat about timetables, placement hours and locations, self-directed study time, helpful resources etc. early on can make a huge difference.
“I have found that consistency in revision all the way through the academic year helps to keep on top of things but there is no one-size-fits-all approach to effectively studying as a parent/carer. Adopting a pattern that suits you and your unique home circumstances is essential, so take the tips you receive from members and adapt them to fit your situation.
“I’d also advise to check early on whether you are eligible for additional funding support such as the Childcare Grant, Parents’ Learning Allowance or the Adult Dependents’ Grant.
“St George’s also offers the Opportunity Fund Grant, as well as other hardship support, for students who experience financial difficulties during their course. NHS bursaries are also available for students with dependents on specific degree programmes.”
A positive experience
“Personally, I have had a positive experience studying as a parent at St George’s and a big part of that has been because of SPACE. The society has worked very hard to ensure that, with continued engagement with the Students’ Union and university leadership, our situation as parents and carers is considered when new policies are being developed and when course changes are being implemented.
“For instance, the University has developed a maternity policy that states the rights that student parents have, especially in terms of maternity and paternity leave. SPACE also advocates for members with the University and, in the past, we have successfully highlighted the difficulties facing student parents and carers during lockdown, for example, and were able to facilitate changes.
“For medical students, there is an exceptional circumstances process that allows eligible students, such as those with caring responsibilities, to list their preferences for clinical placement allocations. Personally, I have found this very helpful in addressing the challenges associated with long commutes to placement and my childcare needs”.
“SPACE also works very closely with the Students’ Union and the Vice-President for Education and Welfare in particular. Through this relationship the society have improved accessibility to the breastfeeding/welfare room within the Students’ Union for students who need it.
“Having a dedicated breastfeeding/welfare room is a very positive draw for St George’s. Such spaces are not available at all universities or hospital locations and, for those of us that have used the facilities, it has provided privacy, a place to make new friends and a practical space to serve our individual needs.
“It is available for student parents to breastfeed, express and store milk, to change and feed their child when onsite, and it also provides an opportunity for respite. The microwave and tea making facilities allow student carers to use their breaks more efficiently.
“There are definitely some advantages to being a student with caring responsibilities at St George’s and by bringing together both traditional and non-traditional students, it helps foster an environment where we can not only learn from each other but also form strong bonds as well.”