How Ellie uses her voice to make change
Ellie is exceptional; in the face of adversity, she excels and achieves. Through her dedicated and enthusiastic work with Young Carers Voice (YCV), she has influenced strategic policy and development of services and raised awareness of young carers needs amongst her peers, her community, in education and with professionals. We are proud that Ellie has been chosen for The Diana Award.
Ellie’s commitment begins at home. She has cared for her brother who has Asperger’s Syndrome since she was four years old. The care Ellie provides includes helping with his nightly bedtime routine, emotional care and supporting her mum with housework. The emotional support is particularly intense at present as she is helping him with his transition to secondary school. What is so special about Ellie is that she doesn’t complain; she embraces the needs of her family and goes that
extra step.
That ‘extra step’ is her work with YCV. With training and support, YCV members gain the skills to engage in consultation, work on service development and have an opportunity to have their voices heard.
She has been an active member of the group. She got involved because she wanted to help improve life for other young carers in her local community. She is passionate due to her own experience of what life is like being a young carer.