Meet Kirsty- Employability Day 18
Kirsty, a young Carer from Dumfries and Galloway shares her employability journey
As a young carer what were the main challenges that you experienced in accessing employability/ learning opportunities?
I experienced a lot of difficulties after being out of work for five years due to being my Father’s main Carer. I have done many different voluntary work over the years, but these didn’t seem to help me find a job until quite recently. Over the past five years, I had been actively seeking work, but with no luck, until recently. I was offered a position as a Carer at a local care home, which I am over the moon about.
Who and what support helped you progress to achieve what you wanted?
I had amazing support from the Carers Centre. I knew that if I ever needed anything or anyone to speak to, I could reach out to them. One of the biggest help over the past couple of years, has been the support of Tommy and Elaine from Realize Your Potential.
I was invited along to take part in one of their QUEST’s and I absolutely loved it! At the time, I was feeling quite low and isolated. My confidence had taken a huge dip and I had quite low self-esteem. Taking part in the QUEST really brought me out of my comfort zone and helped me regain my confidence. I met some amazing people who have become really good friends. The QUEST, has really helped me over the years by getting me out of the house, away from my caring role for a few hours and just having some great fun with great people. I have truly learned a lot from both Tommy and Elaine. They have done a fantastic job with the company, and I am so proud to have been a part of it.
What did you learn about yourself during this process?
I learned that it is extremely important to take care of myself, as well as others. It is important to take a step back and do something for myself now and again.
If anything, what is still challenging for you to be successful in your studies/ volunteering/employment and how do you manage that?
I think I am managing things a lot better now. My family and I have a much better routine in place for taking care of my Dad. Just so the responsibility is shared more equally and so not everything is falling on to me. I am able to go out and volunteer, play and compete all over the country with a pipe band and I have more time for socialising.
What aspirations do you have for the future?
I am due to start my new job in the next few weeks. They will be putting me through my SVQ, so I am really excited about that.
This is the kind of work I have been looking for and I can’t wait to get started.
End of page.
You may also like:
"By sharing learning, resources and local knowledge, we aim to grow in a way that is sustainable, flexible & responsive to local priorities"
Continue reading“This project has amplified how important the power of connection is."
Continue reading"This is a unique opportunity to lead Scotland into a new era care model benefitting rural communities and hospital services alike.”
Continue readingLGBT Youth Scotland’s Smash Up experiences of wellbeing in school/college.
Continue reading"Listen first and build services and support around the feedback from the community."
Continue reading“It can be easy to focus on what you can get from a relationship but learning who’s out there and the needs they meet is valuable."
Continue reading“Ultimately, our aim is to empower every young person we work with to achieve their goals and play an active role in their communities."
Continue reading“There is no magic potion in what we do, but we are managing to do it well for the past 30 years.”
Continue reading“We could not do the work we do without the support of other organisations across Glasgow.”
Continue reading“Their mission is to fight food poverty, tackle isolation and discrimination and unite the community through grassroots action.”
Continue readingLouise tells us how Long Term Conditions Hebrides has enabled her to take the lead in managing her health.
Continue reading"When we listen to people, build relationships, and work together across sectors, we can create meaningful, lasting change."
Continue reading"The people who come to the classes have created a community environment....the social aspects are just as important as the exercise."
Continue reading“By collaborating, we can tackle shared challenges, create meaningful solutions, and ensure better outcomes for communities.”
Continue reading“One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is not to assume we know what the community needs”
Continue reading"It is about saying: this is the need, how can we work together to meet that need?”
Continue readingThe aim of Autistic Knowledge Development is to bring more autistic people to the forefront of anything that is related to them.
Continue readingVersus Arthritis are working with communities and other organisations to provide a stronger service and support more people with arthritis.
Continue readingSober Buzz are building connections and empowering communities to challenge stigma and shame around alcohol misuse.
Continue readingFeeling Strong are providing much needed mental health services for young people in Dundee.
Continue readingOur film takes a look at the creative ways which CHAS engages with their children and young people.
Continue readingThe health and wellbeing of children and young people lies at the heart of the work of Children's Health Scotland.
Continue reading"Everybody needs transport and there can be many barriers to achieving that, so we often fill that gap."
Continue readingHelping children develop their emotional language, understand themselves and their social relationships, take ownership of their wellbeing.
Continue readingOur SHANARRI School aims to create a holistic approach to wellbeing in Highland's schools,
Continue reading