Returning to Education at 45 as AuDHD single parent...?

EdBot79
EdBot79 Community member Posts: 8 Listener
in Education and skills
Hi all 

I have no idea where to start with all of this but figured you were the best people to ask! 

I left school after A Levels/BTec - at the time (late 90s) I wanted to go to Uni but my parents wouldn't agree because "you'll just get married and have kids so why spend the money?"

Well I got married, had kids, got diagnosed autistic and ADHD, as did my son, and ex decided he didn't want to deal with an autistic wife and kid so left. 

I'd love to return to study but am now so painfully aware of the struggles I have with focus due to the ADHD, but am happy to learn there is a lot more support and awareness now than when I first wanted to pursue a degree. 

Can anyone point me in the right direction for support/funding for a disabled, part time working single parent so that I might be able to get the education I so desperately wished for when I was 17? 

Comments

  • wonkydaze
    wonkydaze Community member Posts: 28 Listener
    Have you considered the Open university? It works out cheaper for the fees than other degrees, you can try and fit it around your work. You will be eligible for a loan towards fees. I'm not sure if you could live on the maintenance loan with a child. Or if you get carers allowance you might be able to manage a full time course. With other degree courses you might need to start with a foundation degree to update your skills for the course you want to take. It really depends on the course. Do you know what you'd like to do? Funding is also different in Wales to England etc so it would be good to know where you liveve.g. E,S,W or NI. Entitled to has a good list of other sources of funding and small grants but a lot have specific requirements linked to location or subject matter.
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,906 Championing
    Hello @EdBot79

    Welcome to the community! :) I see wonkydaze has suggested Open University which is a great one.

    Depending on what you want to do as a degree, I'd also say have you looked at the GOV initiative skills for careers? If what you want to do aligns with a career path, you have in mind. 

    I'd also recommend looking at short courses. There are websites like Skillshare and FutureLearn where you can find affordable courses. I wondered if doing a few weeks and dipping your toes in so to speak, could help :) 

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