Our Vision is for for all Young Carers to flourish

We believe that every Young Carer deserves the chance to thrive, not just survive.

Changing the lives of

Young Carers

Our mission:

To inspire and empower Young Carers to fulfil their ambitions.

YCDT was founded in response to the stark reality that very few Young Carers progress into further or higher education. Drawing on research and lived experience, we created a long-term mentoring approach designed to bridge the educational gaps young carers often face and open the door to brighter futures. Unlike many organisations that provide broader support, YCDT is distinctive in its focus on replacing lost education and equipping Young Carers with the tools they need to succeed. We work closely with carer support services, schools, and local partners to identify Young Carers with potential who are unlikely to reach it without targeted, sustained support.

Young Carers are at the heart of everything we do. Many who joined our four-year programme between 2013–2017 are now thriving in higher education, careers, and beyond – with some choosing to return as Trustees, Ambassadors, and Mentors, giving back to the next generation. Their journeys showcase the lasting impact of YCDT’s support, and their willingness to share their experiences helps inspire others and raise awareness, creating a powerful ripple effect of hope and change within their communities.

Did you know?

On average Young Carers achieve the equivalent of 9 lower GCSE grades than their peers

Donate to help make a change

Our Values

Nurture

We care about the future of the Young Carers we support. We make a long-term commitment to their well-being and development.

Inspire

Young carers are inspirational. We will support them to recognise their talents, encourage them to broaden their horizons and raise their aspirations.

Achieve

In partnership with others we provide practical support to enable Young Carers to achieve their potential and flourish in life.

Before YCDT was founded in 2012, only one Young Carer in West Wiltshire had gone to university.

We believe Young Carers’ life experiences can equip them for high achievement. We support them by providing the mentoring and resources needed to help them succeed and, in turn, become inspiring role models for others. Today, we support young carers across North Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Bath & North East Somerset, Gwent and Swindon.

Our Team

We are a passionate team of staff, volunteers, and trustees — many of whom have direct experience of caring roles or working in youth development. Our shared goal is to empower young carers to lead confident, independent lives.

Karen Davis

CEO

Karen provides leadership and support to the YCDT family of Young Carers, volunteers and staff who deliver our programmes and enable all our Young Carers to flourish.

“I’m a passionate advocate in the power of education to give young people control over their futures. I’m privileged to be working with our incredible Young Carers to give them the same opportunities as their non-caring peers.”

Karina Eccles

Charity Manager

Karina drives strategic growth, development, and the day-to-day operations of YCDT, leading fundraising, communications, and partnerships to grow the charity’s reach and deepen its impact.

“Education is the door to opportunity. I’m passionate about making sure young carers have the chance to thrive — every young person deserves the support they need to reach their potential.”

Georgia Prentice

Service Manager

Georgia leads our long-term mentoring programme, supporting young carers to flourish through mentorship, along with practical support and opportunities to thrive.

“It’s a privilege to be part of a charity that combines my passion and experience in education, young carers and volunteering sectors, together with being part of a life changing journey for our amazing young people!”

Melanie Rees-Lewis

Group Mentoring Project Manager

Mel manages YCDT’s Group Mentoring Programme, bringing her experience as a qualified counsellor, ILM Level 5 Manager, and fundraiser, along with over a decade of supporting young carers since 2013.

“‘I feel passionate about supporting young carers as they are such amazing young people yet often miss out on many opportunities due to their caring roles. I choose to make it my mission to help address that and it’s a joy to see them flourish and reach their potential in life”

Sarah Payton

Mentor

Sarah is a mentor in our group programme, supporting young carers to flourish, connect and build confidence through our carefully created welcoming and safe group sessions.

“Bringing my experience in education and mentoring, I feel privileged
to work with young carers in a way that empowers them to explore their strengths, develop their skills and take positive steps towards their aspirations”

Nastasia Janssens

Mentor

Nastasia is a mentor in our group programme, creating a safe, welcoming space where young carers can connect with peers, build confidence, and explore their aspirations together.

“With my experience in supporting and coaching young people, as a group mentor at YCDT, I help young carers build skills and confidence to achieve their goals”

Dekeisha Rodd

Charity Admin Assistant

Dekeisha supports the growth of the charity through marketing and admin assistance, drawing on her lived experience as a young carer to bring valuable insight and understanding to her role.

“Having had first hand experience being a young carer and being supported by YCDT, I’m very passionate about the work YCDT does and excited to see it grow”

Loran Lincoln

Fundraising and Marketing Officer

Loran focuses on building income and awareness through fundraising and marketing.

“With experience in administration, finance, fundraising, and marketing for several charities, I’m proud to now support young carers through YCDT”

Our Trustees

Robert Cotton

Chair

As YCDT’s Chair of Trustees, Robert draws on his experience as a Vicar, leading youth clubs, supporting youth choirs, serving as a school governor, and supporting a school in South Africa to help guide and strengthen the charity’s impact.

“I am inspired by the talent of the Young Carers we support, and the dedication of the Development Mentors. So, I feel privileged to play my part in YCDT.”

Amy Riley

Trustee

Amy was one of the first beneficiaries of the YCDT as she was a carer for her mum, she has been a mentor and an ambassador for the YCDT. She is now a trustee with the trust. She has studied at Cheltenham and Exeter university and works in the NHS talking therapies as a CBT therapist.

Bernardo Castro-Dominguez

Trustee

Bernardo serves as an Associate Professor and oversees Undergraduate Admissions in Chemical Engineering at the University of Bath. His journey in higher education spans across the United States, Ireland, Japan, and the UK, where he has been a guiding force for university applicants, undergraduates, and postgraduate scholars. Beyond academia, Bernardo finds joy in running, creating music, and exploring the wonders of science.

William Feeny

Trustee

William is a Senior Financial Professional with extensive international experience in line and corporate functions in major media Corporations. He has direct experience in media and intellectual property, legal services, mergers and acquisitions and in start up businesses.

Dee Hicks

Treasurer

Dione is the Treasurer of YCDT and a Chartered Accountant. She brings her financial expertise to the charity, ensuring its resources are managed responsibly so that as many young carers as possible can be supported. Dione became a trustee because she is passionate about giving young carers the opportunity to achieve their full potential to achieve their chosen goals.

Tom Evans

Trustee

Tom is a Trustee focused on the digital strategy of YCDT.

“With a strong background in technology and data, I’m proud to now use my skills to drive efficiency, innovation, and security through tech in support of young carers with YCDT.”

Katie Baines

Trustee

Katie started out her career in sports marketing, starting out on consumer brands before running communications for an international motorsport team for eight years. She then took a rather unusual career segway and became a secondary school English teacher, something she thoroughly enjoyed for ten years. She now works in fundraising, communications and events for clients across the charity sector and joined YCDT as a trustee in 2025.