College learner is a true ambassador for Young Carers

Coleg y Cymoedd learner Adam Parker joined family, friends and fellow carers for a special evening where he received an award for ‘Improvement in Education’. The Young Carers event, organised by Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC was held at the Mountain Ash Bowls Club and recognised the contribution made by young carers who care for family and friends.

Seventeen year old Adam from Penrhiwceiber attends the Aberdare Campus and is following the Vocational Studies course, which includes IT, cooking and basic skills. He juggles his studies with his significant role in caring for his father, which also includes night time care.

Young carers play an important role in their families, and with it comes, pressure on their education, well-being, health and social lives. It’s important that carers are supported as much as possible, and have their own needs met. In 2015 Adam became involved with the Young Carers project and hasn’t looked back.

Since joining the project he has made loads of new friends and experienced activities such as a speed boat trip around Cardiff Bay and an action packed trip to London.

Commenting on Adam’s award, Coleg y Cymoedd Welfare Officer Laura Wilson, who attended the event, said “I’m delighted to have been part of the evening, to present Adam with the award. It is important that we recognise young carers like Adam who play a vital role in family life, overcoming daily challenges. Since his involvement with the project I have seen Adam mature into a confident young lad. We will be working closely with the young carers in the next academic year”.

Adam stated “The Young Carers project has been amazing, I’ve made so many new friends, visited lots of new places and tried several new activities. One of the main advantages has been the tremendous support and guidance I’ve received through the educational programmes offered by Young Carers; this has helped me with my current studies and given me the confidence to enrol on an IT course at the college starting September”.

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