Learn about the team at Winchester & District Young Carers, our history and our vision.
Our vision
We believe young carers are children first and should be free to develop emotionally and take full advantage of opportunities for educational achievement and life success.
Our mission
To improve the lives of children and young people with caring responsibilities by providing safe, quality support to individuals and offering a holistic approach to the whole family.
Our history
A report was commissioned by Hampshire Social Services to identify young carers in the Winchester area and to encourage the relevant agencies to tailor their support to the needs of young carers. In 1995 Jenny Frank MBE published the report in a book called ‘Couldn’t Care More’. It was one of the first insights into the needs of young carers and the impacts this responsibility has on their social, personal, emotional and educational development. As a result of these findings, Winchester & District Young Carers was set up as an independent charity in 1999 and would be one of the first of its kind in the country.
Our Staff and Trustees
Staff
Anna Hamilton
Manager
Anna joined in 2012 and has NVQ’s in Youth Work, Information, Advice & Guidance and Counselling. Anna is also a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Facilitator. Anna has experience in every role of the project before becoming Manager in 2023.
Staff
Tana Spreadbury
Young Carers Support Coordinator
Tana joined as a volunteer in 2015, becoming staff in 2017 after completing a level 3 in Youth Work and placement alongside staff. Tana lead on the Activities Programme for several years and has now taken on responsibility for the Exploration Programme. Tana is also a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Facilitator.
Staff
Den Williams
Young Carers Support Coordinator
Den first started with the charity in 2017 as a volunteer supporting on the Exploration Programme and a variety of Activities, before joining the team as a member of staff in 2023.
Staff
Amy-Beth Dalgleish
Young Carers Support Coordinator
Amy-Beth joined in 2023 and is leading the Activities Programme. She has a diverse range of skills and experience, having worked across a number of fields including education, social care, retail and childcare.
Staff
Sue Foster
Young Carers Support Coordinator
Sue joined the team in March 2024 and is the Young Carers support coordinator and volunteering lead. She is a qualified social worker and has been supporting children and families in education settings across Hampshire for many years ,she brings a wealth of experience and a passion for supporting young people.
Trustee
Jan Ellis
Chair of Trustees
Jan joined as a trustee in July 2023 and became Chair in November 2023. She is a qualified careers adviser and has worked as a Chief Executive in the career guidance sector and more recently for an education company. She is a trustee of several charities linked to disadvantaged young people and employability.
Trustee
Matthew Bee
Treasurer
Matt joined as Treasurer and Trustee in November 2023. With a decade of working in Payments and Banking, he has experience of managing people, budgets, and financial relationships. Matt has been a regular volunteer supporting the young carer events at the sailing club for the last few years.
Trustee
Mike Billington
Honorary Secretary
Mike is a former industrial pharmacist, with extensive experience in senior plant management roles. He was also an elite middle distance athlete, is a past president of Winchester Rotary, and a past member of two other rotary clubs.
Trustee
Katherine Staley
Trustee
Katherine has a background in Psychology and academic research and brings over 20 years of experience working in the charity health sector in both operational and strategic leadership roles. Personal experiences of support from Young Carers organisations have driven her to be involved with Winchester Young Carers.
Trustee
John Webb
Trustee
John joined WDYC's committee in 2021. John has worked in business management and strategic marketing for many years and has helped the committee review its strategic plan and objectives for the coming years.
Trustee
Siobhan Pearce
Trustee
Siobhan is a retired secondary school teacher who recognised the importance of pastoral support alongside her actual teaching role. Having taught some pupils who had benefitted from the support of WDYC, she is pleased to be involved with this charity and what it offers young carers in the local area.
Trustee
Tim Reid
Trustee
Tim has had a long career in financial services initially in the private sector and currently as a senior civil servant. Tim joined us in February 2024 and is passionate about contributing to the important work of the charity.
Our Volunteers
Ellie
Jo
Jace
Aileen
Helen
Ann
Denise
Clare
Adam
Flora
Jane
Sarah
Stuart
Venetia
Chris
Neil
Jennie
Refer a young carer
What we do
Contact us
We use anonymous cookies for monitoring website traffic and use certain web services with usage described here.
