Help Informal Carers over 50 out of poverty

One in five people aged 50+ now act as informal carers, whether for an elderly parent or looking after children or grandchildren.  For many, this means abandoning any hope of holding down a full or part-time job, as many are caring for up to 50 hours per week. According to the latest stats from Age UK, the number of carers aged 65 and over providing informal care for another person has risen from 2.7 million to 3.3 million in the last 8 years.

That's where Startup School for Carers comes in, helping informal carers to take an idea and turn it into a business. This programme, an offshoot of the currently GLA-funded Startup School for Seniors, is an eLearning programme enabling older carers to learn how to start a business in their own time and at their own pace.

The course features pre-recorded videos, mentoring and group support where carers can meet others, in a similar situation to their own, share their idea and receive feedback. By the end of the 8 week programme participants will understand how to start a business and many will already be making money, helping to alleviate the financial hardship many face.