About Us

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 Committee

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

Ali Green

Young Carers Support Coordinator

Ali joined us as a volunteer and later as a member of staff in 2021. Ali supports the Exploration Programme and takes lead on the digitalisation of project services, with her background in digital learning and development.

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.

Trustee

Tim Woodland

Chair of Trustees

Tim heads up the committee and has supported WDYC for many years. He is a past president of the Horticultural Trades Association, a trustee of the gardening charity Perennial, and is currently MD of Achimenes Ltd.

Trustee

Gareth Barter

Treasurer

Gareth is an experienced business manager with a demonstrable history of working in health care, veterinary, retail and customer service industries.

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

Penny Power

Trustee

Penny has been an avid supporter of the charity and valued committee member for over two decades. She continues to play an active role in fundraising for the charity.

Trustee

Jan Ellis

Trustee

Jan joined as a trustee in July 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

Nick Owen

Committee Member

Nick has been a trustee and treasurer. He has grandchildren who have a caring role. He is a retired Chartered Surveyor and helped to relaunch a major youth and education charity in London.

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.