Grace, 17, joined us at Shireland Biomedical UTC to restart her Year 12 studies in Applied Science and Health and Social Care. Grace aspires to be a Midwife. Outside of her academic studies, Grace is a sessional worker for Sandwell Parents for Disabled Children where she supports events for children with a range of disabilities. Grace is a young carer for her younger brother and strongly believes in advocating for young people with both physical, mental, and learning disabilities; to ensure that they have the same access and rights to health and social care.
On 22 September, Grace was invited to attend the Fundamentals of Care event held at The Hawthorns, hosted and attended by over 300 NHS professionals. During this event, Grace spoke publicly about her family and the commitment she has to improving the quality of care that young people have as well as raising awareness of the role that young carers can play. Grace firmly believes that schools need to do more to support young carers as they navigate new challenges in their studies and family lives. Following this event, Grace will now become a Sandwell NHS Youth Forum Member.
Grace said, “I am really excited to be working alongside the NHS to become an advocate for young people and young carers in the area. I have already arranged to have a guided tour of the midwifery unit at Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospital and my next steps will be to apply to become a Sandwell NHS Youth Forum Ambassador. I am also grateful to the Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, specifically Shireland Biomedical UTC, for giving me the opportunity to study here as well as taking the time to recognise me as a young carer and supporting me on my journey to becoming a midwife.”
