Thanks to funding from the Triangle Trust we now have appointed Rebecca Bryan as our new Education Development Officer.  This is the first time GYC has had a worker totally dedicated to supporting education settings to identify, understand and support young carers whether this is in a primary, secondary school or college.

Schools are key partners in our mission to support and enable young carers to achieve their aspirations, and they are our primary source of referrals.

The new role involves awareness-raising amongst staff and students, encouraging schools to develop their own in-house young carer groups, sharing best practice amongst schools and supporting school to achieve GHLL Young Carers Accreditation.

Rebecca started in the role June 2022 and has made a great start at making links with schools. 

Development Manager Hana Gill  spoke to Rebecca to find a bit more about her and her new role...

Hi Rebecca. What made you interested in applying for this role and working for GYC?

Mainly the ethos behind the charity of supporting young carers interested me and working with the schools to do this; as I have been working in education myself for the last 15 years. As a child I helped care for my own Dad, and as such feel I can relate to what this is like for young people.

How have you found your first few weeks?  What has been your best moment so far?

I have found my first few weeks very interesting, learning about the work of GYC and I feel that I've settled into the team straight away, who have been welcoming and friendly.

The best moments have been the assemblies we do at school, especially with H the bear mascot; seeing the students contributing with their questions and gaining an understanding of what being a young carer means.

What do you think the challenges of the role are going to be?

Ensuring that we have the time and resources to support all schools in the county so they can help to meet the needs of young carers, so they can achieve their potential.

And lastly – tell us a bit about yourself and what you like doing in your free time.

I love walking with my Labrador, especially around the local hills, and attending live music festivals and concerts.

Thanks Rebecca, great to have you on the team!

If you are a school in Gloucestershire and would like support and resources to help you to improve your response to young carers please contact Rebecca Bryan on rebecca@glosyoungcarers.org.uk or 07857 618533.