Matilda’s Story

Matilda is a young carer for her brother who was born with autism and ADHD. Growing up, her brother needed to receive a lot more attention and therefore Matilda had to learn how to take care of herself and help around the house to make sure unnecessary stress wasn’t caused and to prevent her brother from having meltdowns. She also started caring for her Dad in Year 5, when he became very sick and chronically ill.

“This passion is now driving me into higher education and university”

This meant spending mornings at breakfast club as her Dad received treatment for his illness, being unable to see friends or go out and many hospital visits. During this time she helped her family by caring for her brother and taking care of herself.

At 15 Matilda started with YCDT and since has developed a passion for walking and ecology through her Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, in which she has completed the Silver qualification and is close to earing her Gold. Through these trips, which YCDT has been able to fund, Matilda has gained confidence and is excited to continue this further into higher education with the support of her Development Mentor.

” I had an amazing time and met a lot of new people that quickly became friends. I have been told I passed my DofE section and that is my last step towards obtaining that qualification. So thank you again for this opportunity.”

Recently YCDT funded Matilda’s trip for her Gold DofE to Swanage as the last step in completing the qualification. She had a fantastic time axe throwing, climbing, caving and walking around Corfe Castle where she heard some spooky ghost stories from the locals!