Every story is a step forward

The Young Carers we support. The mentors who walk beside them. The lives changed through connection, and opportunity. These are the voices that show what YCDT is all about.

“Without the support of YCDT there’s no way I would be thinking about going to university. I never thought it was something for someone like me. There is honestly no way I could have done this without your support”

Scarlett, YCDT Young Carer

Real experiences.

Remarkable journeys.

Young Carer Stories

Discover how YCDT has helped Young Carers find confidence, pursue education, and shape their futures.

Stories

Cory’s Story

Cory is a young carer with multiple caring roles for both parents and his younger siblings. Now halfway through his first year of YCDT support,

Matilda’s Story

Matilda is a young carer for her brother who was born with autism and ADHD. She also started caring for her Dad in Year 5,

Ashleigh’s Story

Ashleigh provides support for her younger sister who has down syndrome and helps her parents a great deal.

Growing together.

Mentor Stories

Hear from our mentors about what it means to walk alongside a Young Carer — and how the experience changes them too.

In their own words.

Testimonials

Our community speaks best for us. Hear from those who know YCDT first-hand – a dedicated Ambassador, Young Carers we have supported on their journeys, and professionals who refer to us and walk alongside these young people every day. Their voices reflect the impact of our work and the difference your support makes.

“The Young Carers Development Trust helped me develop my skills and learning so I could get into university. I was the first in my family to go to university and was so unsure about what to do and when. YCDT supported me with visiting uni’s, asking questions and providing tuition to support me passing my A-levels.

Not only did they support me in a practical way, but they cheered me on during the process, helping me believe in my potential, something I am eternally grateful for. I have since completed my degree in psychology, and have returned to Uni for further postgraduate diplomas. All of this would not be possible without them.”

Amy Riley – YCDT Ambassador

“We made our first referral to YCDT in 2018 and they have been supporting us with Young Carers in North Somerset ever since. YCDT has made a significant difference to the carers that we have referred, providing them with 1:1 mentors who are there to focus on them, allowing them to think about what they want for their futures, both in studies and beyond. YCDT provide much needed support throughout GCSE’s and are excellent advocates with schools and colleges, attending meetings and offering solid guidance and practical help by providing laptops for learning. With the support of YCDT, our Young Carers have had wonderful successes, with one being offered a spot at a leading private girls’ school, the type of opportunity which would never have been available without the input from YCDT and their mentors. We have even had success with some moving on to university and others nominated for and winning National Carer awards. The difference has been life changing for our young carers and we are so grateful that we can work with YCDT. We cannot speak highly enough of the support and opportunities they have provided. Comment below from parent following referral: “I’ve just been searching the Young Carers Development Trust – I’ve cried again watching their video. Thank you so much for putting ‘A’ forward for it – honestly I think this is exactly what she needs for her confidence”

Fern Davis – North Somerset Carers

“As a former beneficiary of the YCDT, at a time when my ambitions for higher education were continuously shot down, the support I was shown through mentoring and funding opened my eyes to the possibilities of achieving more for myself. The help given to me by YCDT was instrumental, broadening my academic horizons through the provision of 1-2-1 academic tutoring, including multiple trips to repair my laptop, a trip to visit a university with my mentor, and even financial support with vocational goals like working for Camp America.
I would not be where I am today without them, and I am extremely grateful to Wiltshire Young Carers for referring me to YCDT and seeing potential in me when I did not.”

Kerry McKenzie – Young Carers Support Worker & Former YCDT Beneficiary