We welcome Annie to our volunteer team as our first ever ambassador to help present our charity to community groups. Annie tells us why she decided to take on this role to help GYC.

Young carers has for many years been a charity close to my heart. I was aware of the organisation from a friend who was in at the beginning, by sitting on the board. Little did I know then how important the help and support they provide would be so pertinent to me. My three grandchildren were taking on caring responsibilities for their mum and I introduced them to young carers. This gave all 3 of them an outlet to just be children and to talk in a safe environment about the stress and strains at home.

This support became even more relevant when my daughter's issues meant she felt no longer able to properly care for her children and I became their permanent foster carer. Young carers supported both me and the children through this difficult transition time. My grandson eventually volunteered for them. I will be eternally grateful to young carers, without this organisation my life would have been far more difficult.

Now I am retired and my grandchildren are young adults I felt it was time to give back to young carers and offered my services as a volunteer. I explained my skill and work experience and as a qualified trainer (if some time ago) and it was suggested that I became the first volunteer ambassador for Young Carers. I was honoured and thrilled to accept the role. I am at the start of this journey but know this will be going out to organisations seeking their support both financially and practically to secure the charity's future. This is going to make 2023 a challenging and exciting year for me."

Annie