We're thrilled to announce the latest addition to the Gloucestershire Young Carers team, Martine Johnson, who joins us as our Young Carer and Family Assessment Worker. Martine has written a blog to help you get to know her!

"Hi, I’m Martine! I am really excited to be returning to work with young carers after having a break in my career to become a mother and raise my child.

I have many years’ experience of working with families, young people, and disabled people. I also have personal experience of being a young carer myself from a young age for my physically disabled brother, and also my mother who had complex mental health needs.

My personal experience of caring is what led me to working with young carers back in 2012 when I lived in Wales. As soon as I found out about my local young carers project, I knew I had to get involved! I continued to work with young carers when I moved to both Bristol and Gloucestershire.  Over the years I have had many different roles including Young Carer Key worker, Engagement Involvement and Activity Coordinator, and Senior Development Worker which included developing the services for young carers.

I’m delighted to return to GYC as Young Carer and Family Assessment Worker for Forest of Dean and Gloucester. My role will involve being a first contact for young carers and their families, and to carry out an assessment of the caring role and create a support plan to identify and meet the needs of each young carer. I hope that my previous experience of work with young carers has given me a wealth of knowledge, which I can bring and offer to young carers and their families. I feel it is a great honour to work with young carers and recognise how special you all are! I am looking forward to ensuring that as young carers you are recognised for what you do, and your needs are being met in order to thrive alongside caring. Outside of work I love going to festivals and going on adventures in my campervan. I also love trying out new recipes and being out in nature."

Welcome to the GYC Team, Martine!