This practice-based paper provides a case study on co-creating a programme between a university and the voluntary sector. It analyses practical aspects of working in partnership to co-create an accredited programme to improve access to higher education for first-generation learners. In 2018, the Faculty of Lifelong Learning at South East Technological University set about working in partnership with Family Carers Ireland to focus on creating a transformative and holistic educational experience for family carers across Ireland. Working closely together, South East Technological University and Family Carers Ireland jointly developed and delivered a Level 6 Certificate in Family Caring aimed at formally recognising the role family carers play in the lives of their loved ones across Ireland. Importantly, from an equality perspective, for the overwhelming majority of participants (94%) this was the first time that they had participated in a higher education course.