BOM IT Solutions has been at the heart of the Southwest business community for over 60 years. As a people first IT and technology solutions provider, we are hugely invested in our local community and look to support locally driven causes that are close to our heart. The Young Carers Development Trust is one such cause.
First established in 2012, The Young Carers Development Trust is a registered charity which tackles the lack of opportunity and the challenges experienced by young carers in Bristol and the Southwest. Young carers miss out on a vast array of opportunities and life events, from basic education to social and developmental activities, as a result of their caring responsibilities.
According to The Children’s Society, 800,000 young people aged 5-17, currently care for an adult or family member in England. Further research shows that 27% of young carers, aged 11-15, miss, on average, 48 school days, the equivalent of 10 weeks a year.
The Young Carers Development Trust believe that young carers should not have to sacrifice these valuable experiences, and with support from the local community, they’re able to help young carers fulfil their potential. Currently, the Trust help 28 young carers individually, with the aim of supporting a further 12 over the next 12 months, and several hundred through its other activities.
Through one-to-one programs, the charity provides essential support and activities that enable young people to develop important life skills and capabilities that help them to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals and to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges. The Charity works through its Development Mentors, who provide resources and mentoring for these young carers in Bristol, South Gloucester, Wiltshire, and Bath & Northeast Somerset.
BOM IT Solutions has been working with the Young Carers Development Trust since 2019, supporting the charity with technology and digital infrastructure, with access to BOM Managed Support Service desk, facilities, and office spaces, and through a series of IT development sessions providing help with its growth. The team at BOM has also been working closely with the charity to ensure that the young carers they are supporting have the access to the technology, such as laptops and other essential hardware, necessary to help them maximise their potential and support them with their educational needs.
At the end of last year, BOM IT joined the Young Carers Development Trust’s team at its annual gala dinner, that aptly followed the theme ‘Calamity and Kindness’. This was the first time the gala dinner had taken place since 2018 and was organised to celebrate and raise awareness of the exceptional role that young people in the local community play in supporting family members and loved ones.
The black-tie event was held at the Bristol Royal Marriot Hotel and was attended by nearly 100 guests who enjoyed a champagne reception, red carpet walk, three course dinner and interactive performances from the Natural Theatre Company. Those that attended even had the privilege to hear from the young carers themselves. The evening was held in memory of former YCDT development mentor, Bryan Daly, whose enthusiasm for life greatly impacted both the young carer he supported and the whole charity.
In April 2023, the Young Carers Development Trust will be holding its annual Young Adult Carer Aspirations Conference.
BOM IT Solutions is proud to be supporting the Young Carers Development Trust and the brilliant work the charity does in helping to shape and change the lives of the incredible young people in the Bristol and Southwest community.
For more information on the Young Carers Development Trust, its important work and the Young Adult Carer Aspirations Conference, visit https://www.ycdt.org.uk/.
For more information on BOM IT Solutions, our support and services, as well as the other fantastic organisations we are supporting, visit https://bomitsolutions.co.uk.
