News

YCDT is absolutely delighted to report that Oli won the Overall Young Hero at the Community of Purpose's 2022 Bristol Young Heroes Awards.

We couldn’t be prouder of Oli who cares for his mother who has very serious physical health issues which impacted on her mental health.  The awards aim to shine a light on those who have overcome difficult circumstances, made a difference to the lives of others, or achieved something extraordinary, all of which Oli has already done at his young age.

I’d like to say a huge thank you to Kevin and Izzy from UK Digital Marketing for sponsoring the Caring Hero’s award

I would also like to say thank you especially to everyone at GKN Aerospace for sponsoring the Overall Hero category - I cannot possibly express how grateful I am

Oliver is in his fourth year of YCDT support, and having completed a highly successful course at specialist carpentry college, Didac, Oli is looking forward to starting his carpentry apprenticeship in September 2022, taking his skills to the next level.

I was introduced to the Young Carers Development Trust who believed in me and supported me whilst I was going through my GCSEs. After I left school, they managed to find a wonderful college so I could progress into where I am now. Many years ago, I never would’ve thought this is where I’d be now, however with the support of so many of you, I am

Karina, Oli’s mentor and YCDT Charity Manager said “Listening to the incredible stories and journeys of the young people at the awards ceremony was humbling and inspiring. They are all such amazing people”

YCDT Would also like to thank Community of Purpose, GKN Aerospace and all those who supported the awards.  

Oli at the awards with his Mentor and YCDT Charity Manager, Karina

YCDT is enormously proud of young carer Oli, who is a finalist in the Caring Hero category at the Bristol Young Heroes Awards this year.

The awards aim to shine a light on those who have overcome difficult circumstances, made a difference to the lives of others, or achieved something extraordinary.

Oli is a finalist in the Caring Hero category which is defined as "A young person who is looking after a member of their family and sacrificed a lot by putting someone else’s needs above their own.".

Oli always puts others before himself and is an inspiration to all around him, despite what challenges he might be facing. He is so well deserving of being a finalist for this award and I am honored to be his Mentor. All at YCDT wish him good luck for the finals! 

Karina, Oli's Mentor and YCDT Charity Manager. 

In line with YCDT's objectives,  nominees of these awards often report a significant boost in self-confidence, aspiration and said they were more likely to try something new.

The awards culminate in a special gala awards night for the young people and their family and friends to enjoy on 15th July.

Well done Oli!

More than 40 young carers attended our first in-person Aspirations Conference on 20th April in Bristol City Hall and had access to a huge variety of workshops including, Employability Skills, Exploring Higher Education, Exam Ready, University Finance, Coping with Stress and more.

Following a welcome speech from the Liberal Democrats leader, Sir Ed Davey, the young carers heard from some of our own YCDT Ambassadors along with speakers from a selection of universities and support organisations.

Can you support a young carer and help us change a life? 

We are recruiting for volunteer Development Mentors to support the 2022 young carers, if you are interested we'd love to hear from you. Our Mentors come from all walks of life with hugely varying life experiences and backgrounds. We are looking for empathetic, enthusiastic, and sensitive volunteers to help our young carers achieve their potential. This is a long-term mentoring position.

More details can be found here, including how to apply.

We are delighted to share YCDT's new film featuring our amazing young carers sharing their thoughts and experiences in support of Young Carers across the UK. Young Carers Action Day is awareness raising day and campaign to increase support for young carers, organised by The Carers Trust.  YCDT's Young Carers Action Day Film