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21
#CareDay - 17
TH
FEB
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.
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.
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
SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE IN CARE...