Ulster Rugby vs Edinburgh

SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE IN CARE...

NAME: TANYA AGE: 23 LIVES: BELFAST INCLUDE YOUTH PROJECT: BELFAST TRUST’S EMPLOYABILITY SERVICE & AIMING HIGHER "I had been in the care system from when I was young and never through I would have a job, car, be independent or able to fend for myself. I am currently a health care support worker and have plans to become a paediatric nurse. I now realise I can achieve anything by just believing in myself." #CAREDAY

#CareDay - 17 TH FEB

I had been in the care system from when I was young and six years ago became involved with the Belfast Trust’s Employability Service, delivered by Include Youth in partnership with Start360.

In October 2012, I applied for a position as a nursing auxiliary however I didn’t have GCSE maths and had failed my numeracy test, so I didn’t get shortlisted for an interview. It knocked my confidence but I knew I had lots of work to do in order to get a job and complete my Essential Skills Level 2 in numeracy. I secured a work placement as a care assistant in a nursing home two days a week, which turned into paid employment, and got weekly support from a business mentor through Include Youth’s Aiming Higher project in partnership with Business in the Community. All of this support meant in November 2013, when the Belfast Trust was recruiting for auxiliary nurses again, I was ready. I had a successful interview and was put on the waiting list. In June 2014 I was offered the job and started three months later. From when I was young I had always thought I wouldn’t have a job, my own car, be independent or able to fend for myself. Now I am a band 3 health care support worker in the Allen Ward,

working with young children and I love my job. If I hadn’t taken part in Aiming Higher and had help gaining my maths or applying for jobs from the Employability Service, I wouldn’t have half the confidence I have today. I wouldn’t be able to speak to people without being embarrassed. Three years ago I spoke publicly for the first time at a packed room at Stormont and ever since I’ve been busy sharing my care story. I’ve been on radio, spoke at conferences, given evidence to the NI Assembly, am a young decision-maker for the Big Lottery Fund in NI and sit on the Belfast Trust’s employability steering group on behalf of young people in care. I also have my own car, am doing a university access course at college and have plans to become a paediatric nurse. I now realise I can achieve anything I want to by just believing in myself. I don’t like any sport and only ever did PE at school. But I reckon to be an Ulster Rugby player you have to exercise a lot, train lots, live a healthy life and do lots of stuff like that.

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