Young Carers Development Trust (YCDT) is a charity that supports Young Carers. Young Carers are children and young people who care for someone, often at home, with a disability, long-term illness, problems with addiction or their mental health. They often have much more responsibility than their peers, frequently looking after the running of the home and their loved ones. This means they miss out on opportunities and life chances that are available to other young people. Statistically, Young Carers are twice as likely to suffer from mental health problems themselves, obtain two or more grades lower than their peers at GCSE (in each subject!) and are doubly as likely to be NEET (not in education, employment or training) after year 11. We are currently aiming to fight this for Young Carers living in Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire, Swindon and Gwent.

The primary way YCDT supports Young Carers is through a long-term mentoring programme. YCDT are currently looking for new Development Mentors to help support our Young Carers. It is an exciting time of growth for the charity and we are looking for a diverse network of volunteers to offer their time to support Young Carers with their education and aspirations.

YCDT Development Mentors support Young Carers from their GCSE year right up until the end of their first year at university or equivalent (4 - 5 years). This support looks different for each Young Carer but has often involved organising tuition (using YCDT budget), accompanying Young Carers to open days, supporting them to complete college or university applications and helping them to unlock their potential and improve their prospects. Development Mentors are provided with the training, tools and support to help complete their Young Carers’ Action Plans.

We are looking for people who are enthusiastic, non-judgmental, and sensitive volunteers to help support our Young Carers. Experience or knowledge of the effect of caring is desirable, but empathy is a must.  An understanding of the various educational and employment routes a young person can take at 16 and 18 would be useful, but volunteers are supported in this area by the Service Manager. A strong educational and/or professional background is preferred, and IT proficiency is a necessity.  If you have a real passion for raising aspirations of Young Carers and the practical skills and personal qualities to do so, we’d love to hear from you. The monthly time commitment is roughly 2-4 hours per month using remote methods and, when possible, face-to-face.  This is a voluntary role and as such, unpaid, but all expenses including transport costs are reimbursed by YCDT.. 

YCDT is committed to safeguarding and protecting all children and all candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented throughout YCDT, although all applications are, of course, welcome.