I am currently studying at University and am very proud of my mum who is 61 and returning this year also to study a Bsc in philosophy and film in her own hope to teach at college or university. After being made redundant five years ago and suffering from deep depression in that time, she has picked herself up and gone to university and is a new person altogether and it has been amazing to see her so excited and engaged with her future. HOWEVER student finance will only give £3300 A YEAR to live off and her government benefits have been stopped due to her being in education even though she isn't receiving enough money to support herself, so she cannot afford to live.

Student finance have stated that people over 60 are not eligible for the full amount with advisers unable to make further explanations other than that. My mum is going to university to better herself so she can get a better job and in her later years do something with her life instead of waiting for retirement and state pension. After so many years of seeing my mum is such deep depression then to see her exuberant full of life and engaged, only to loose it all. i think every single person regardless of age should have the same opportunities to better themselves, become more employable and should be supported in that equally as anyone going to University for the first time. I want to raise awareness and FIGHT age discrimination for those who are denied it because of their age. It doesn't matter what age you are you have the right to further yourself and to learn! 

The government recently raised the age for student finance availability to 59 but have capped it, but why is there a cap. With global employment markets changing every day and the retirement age getting further and further away why is the government not supporting our older generation in furthering themselves and NOT financially supporting them whilst doing so. To many people have been made redundant due to "age" and young people have been made to have an image of being born in the technological era, why are our older generation cast out and not given the essential tools to learn and grow in the same way. Financial support should be for everyone not stripping aware entitlements and expecting people to be able to live off less than £4000.00 a year with no financial aid towards housing, food, council tax or bills. 

Please sign the petition to STOP age discrimination and give fair opportunities to ALL ages and the financial support that is given to those under 60.