BUSINESS WEST – CONNECTING BUSINESSES CASE STUDY
Show of support for young carers FACTFILE
COMPANY: Gloucestershire Young Carers
LOCATION: Twigworth Court Business Centre, Gloucester,GL2 9PG
WHAT WE DO: We are a registered charity that supports young carers whose lives are often dominated by the need to care for parents or siblings.
I
t hardly seems believable but children as young as eight years old are often acting as carers to their parents and families. These young carers are truly amazing in
helping family members who are ill, disabled, suffering mental ill health or who are affected by problematic substance misuse. Jane Dyer, who is the fundraising manager
for the charity Gloucestershire Young Carers, told insight: ”We identified a need in society that was not being met - a hidden army of young people who were taking on adult-sized responsibilities and looking after parents and family members. “Research showed that these responsibilities
were having a detrimental impact on the lives of the young people-affecting their health and wellbeing and causing isolation, low self- esteem and restricted aspirations and achievement. We aim to reduce the impact of caring.” With 22 years’ experience of supporting
carers in a whole raft of ways, Gloucestershire Young Carers are now seeing the proof of that investment as these young, responsible people go on to achieve in their education and careers. As the charity’s reputation has grown, not just
in Gloucestershire but nationally, they have been awarded important accreditations. Last year, they were outright winners of the
GSK Impact Award and their literature is now being used nationally by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. “We also involve young carers themselves in
our strategic planning and in consultations with partner bodies,” said Jane. Ian Mean, Gloucestershire director for Business West, has been involved with Gloucestershire Young Carers for some years on their development board. “I never realised just how many youngsters as
young as seven and eight are in fact lifesavers for their families,” he said. “Over the years, I have been staggered by the
number of youngsters who have taken full responsibility for the wellbeing of parents or their brothers and sisters without question.
HISTORY: Established in 1993 out of Gloucestershire County Council, it quickly became an independent charity. Growth has been strong—from just four staff and as many young carers to 20 staff, 81 volunteers and 1,200 young carers.
“Not for some of
these children the normal life of a child. They are tied to looking after the family and it is not exaggerating to say that they can often lose some of the joys of childhood as a result.” Sixteen year old
Megan has been supporting both of her parents - her father who had an embolism and latterly, her mother who experiences epilepsy. The illness of both of her parents has had a
huge impact on her life after she learned to look after their needs, worrying about them from day to day. Megan says: “I realised one day when I was
holding my mum in a shopping centre as she went through a seizure that what was normal for me was not necessarily normal for others. “Being a young carer is just my life and I love
my family so I care for them”. Jane told us: “Joining the Chamber was recommended to us by Ian Mean, a great supporter of our charity. We’ve found the networking to be highly beneficial in linking us up with partner organisations and funders. We are always looking to make new relationships with local companies - not just for fundraising projects to help fund the work we do, but also to involve staff teams in the services we provide or in mentoring young adult carers, many of whom who will go on to become valuable staff members of local businesses.”
To find out more about Gloucestershire Young Carers call 01452 733060 or email
mail@glosyoungcarers.org.uk
NAME: Mary Martin POSITION:Marketing Director E:
mary.martin@
businesswest.co.uk T: 07976 507975
What does your role at Business West involve? It’s hugely varied! I’m responsible for the marketing & comms strategy, ensuring that our brilliant marketers fulfil all KPIs for our services that help businesses to start, innovate and grow - in the UK and overseas. And as Business West is the ‘go to’ organisation for all business issues, I help identify members’ concerns, my colleagues prioritise key policy areas, then I maximise Public Relations.
What were you doing before you worked at Business West? My eclectic career began in Ireland with a start-up manufacturing paint, followed by a stint with a large manufacturer, then across to California to sell property in Orange County, the world’s most expensive place at the time. Back in London I worked for Mates condoms before heading west to join Business West!
What is the most unusual business you’ve encountered? I worked for a family business run by six brothers - all Mr Murrays. To distinguish them they insisted on being called Mr Jim or Mr Joe. It was like stepping back in time – with wages being paid in cash, in brown envelopes!.
What is your top tip for anyone starting out in business? Determination makes anything possible, so pursue your dream - wherever it takes you.
What are your interests outside work? Sailing, travelling and ‘great craic’ with friends.
What did you want to be when you were growing up? My childhood, steeped in traditional Irish music, influenced my desire to be a singer in a band. I must admit to pangs of jealousy that my neighbour Imelda May has done so well in my wannabe career!
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 insight 13 INSIDER
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