Black History Month: Mentorship and my journey from young carer to leadership role

Kiesha is a 19-year-old young carer from Harrow in London. For Black History Month she describes how walking through the doors of her local carer centre gave her the right support at the right time. It set her on a new path, and she wants to share her experience so other young carers can do the same.

Hey, I’m Kiesha, a young adult carer. I care for my two brothers, my mum and my nan. Earlier this year, Carers Trust met with me and a few other young adult carers to discuss "Fair Futures for Young Carers”, the theme of Young Carers Action Day 2024.

That’s when I first spoke about my experiences as a young carer and the challenges of balancing caring with everything else in life.

This Black History Month is about reclaiming narratives. By sharing my story, I want to show how Black young carers like me can shape their own narratives.

Being a young carer is often shown by the media as being a struggle, but it also equips you with skills for life. Here’s my story so far!

Discovering my passion for youth work

My journey as a youth worker – from volunteer to leader – has been filled with challenges, personal growth and unforgettable experiences enriched by the power of mentorship.

I had been registered with Harrow Young Carers from the age of 13, but my real adventure with them began in February 2020 when Phill, the new Young Carers Service Manager, joined.

By August 2020, Phill had given me an amazing opportunity to lead my first all-girls camp night, an experience that helped me discover my passion for youth work.

As I began college in September 2021, balancing studies with my caregiving duties became challenging, but I found solace in playing netball in an adult league.

Overcoming challenges and growing stronger

The young adult carers service was introduced to Harrow Carers in August 2022, and this was a turning point for me.

I went from a young carer to a young adult carer and by October, Phill had hired me as a sessional youth worker, making me the first young carer/young adult carer to join the staff.

From hosting my first Halloween party for the young adult carers, to earning my Archery Instructor Certificate with Phill's support, the end of 2022 was filled with milestones.

These experiences taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance.

Transforming from participant to leader

2023 marked my transformation. Leading an art project and speaking on a panel at the Carers Trust Making Carers Count event in Birmingham were significant moments.

During Carers Week in June, I met the Mayor of Harrow and John Mclean, who was the Chair of Trustees at Carers Trust at the time. This was an unforgettable experience.

Attending the Young Carers Festival as a staff member was also a definite highlight, and Phill's departure from the organisation was bittersweet.

I was sad to see him go but it allowed me to put into practice everything I learned from him.

Leaving a lasting impact

At Harrow Carers, I had made a significant impact by my 19th birthday, which the Mayor of Harrow recognised in the form of an award.

Raising awareness for teenage and young adult carers involved everything from planning and hosting parties and events to sharing my story, participating in panels, and corresponding with specialists.

My diligence and dedication to the community led to this award, and it was a testament to my hard work. March 2024 featured the young adult carers service excitingly travelling abroad to Amsterdam.

While we were there, we met with an organisation which aids in supporting young and young adult carers in the city.

This enriched our cultural experience, and we left Amsterdam with friendships that stretched across borders.  

Welcoming new opportunities and future goals

In May 2024, I felt it was time for a change and left Harrow Carers to pursue a short-lived apprenticeship as a chef.

But by July, a new opportunity arose in the young adult carers group chat. It was an internship with Carers Trust. I read the job description and just knew that this was the perfect role for me.

So, I applied, went through the interview process, was successful in securing the role and started in September 2024.

My journey from a volunteer to a leader, guided by mentorship, has been incredible. Each step, challenge and success has shaped who I am today.

I look forward to new opportunities and continuing to impact the lives of young carers, inspired by the legacy of those who have come before me.

Unleashing creativity in my Carers Trust internship

Now that I have started an internship at Carers Trust, I feel respected and valued. My volunteer experiences have prepared me well for this opportunity.

I am excited to grow both personally and professionally in this welcoming environment. I look forward to advancing within the organisation, using my skills to promote positive change and make a lasting impact on the lives of carers.

I am eager to seize new opportunities and lead with empathy as this journey unfolds.

I urge other carers out there to seek support with their local carer centre as I did all those years ago with Harrow Young Carers.

The impact that both the centre itself – and specifically my mentor Phill – had on my life has been transformation. By seeking help as I did, you too can help reshape the narrative of what it means to be a young Black carer.

 

If you're a carer and are looking for support, find your local carers centre.