24 young adult carers attended YAC FUTURES on April 14th, an event aimed at helping them feel more confident in navigating their education or career paths. The day included workshops, lunch, and a speed networking session with 10 different employers. This was the fourth year of this key event, and a challenge for the team to deliver virtually. However, with lots of careful planning and with a year of delivering online activities under our belts the day was really successful.

We run the YAC Futures event to inspire YACS to think big and recognize their skills and worth. As well as aiming to be informative, educational and empowering, it also gives the young people a chance to get together. The morning workshops covered confidence-building, interview tips and CV advice, YACS guide to Uni Survival, and apprenticeships. The afternoon gave young adult carers the opportunities to talk to a wide range of different employers and professionals in small groups, developing their confidence by asking questions about their jobs, career path, education and training. YACS also received lunch vouchers and event goody bags - as they would have if they had been attending a non-virtual conference or careers fair which really made it feel interactive.

We asked the young adult carers – how would you describe YAC FUTURES?

"Amazing chance to discover job options and life skills."

"An event to explore your future you get to talk to all different kinds of people and ask them anything you want about their jobs. they're all really helpful and friendly."

"A good opportunity to hear about other people's experiences and how they have gotten to where they are today."

"It's awesome! I've learned so much and I feel so much happier."

In our evaluation from our corporate supporters, we asked what they had learnt from the event. One fed back “that virtual events work very well” and another commented “the young carers asked some really interesting questions, it was a pleasure to be able to answer them”.

We are grateful to the following businesses and individuals for their support and attendance on the day – Spirax Sarco, First Base Employment, Midcounties Co-operative, Quayside Wealth Management, University of Gloucestershire, Big Yellow Self Storage, Councillor Klara Sudbury, Andrew Lansley, Nicola Bird and Cheltenham Animal Shelter. Also, a big thanks to our fabulous volunteers Kitty and Jeremy.

This event was funded by Gloucester Rotary and Midcounties Cooperative – we are so grateful for their ongoing support of the work we do with young carers.

We are already looking forward to YAC FUTURES 2022 – when we hope to be running this event offline!