How Teen Carer beCame a Young Hero
WHEN THE PANDEMIC HIT, 16-YEAR-OLD CAITLIN PUT HER PERSONAL TROUBLES ASIDE TO HELP THE VULNERABLE IN HER COMMUNITY
WHEN her GCSEs were cancelled due to the pandemic, Caitlin Walker had more reason than most to feel devastated.
The teenager had overcome a series of setbacks to continue her studies, including problems at school, mental health troubles and becoming a carer for her dad James after a life-changing car crash in 2018.
But because Caitlin was being edu cated at home instead of the class room, she did not have teacher-pre dicted grades and was told she was not eligible for any qualifications at all.
“After all that hard work, I was absolutely heartbroken,” said Caitlin, who is autistic and has OCD.
“I felt like giving up at first, that there was no point in anything. But then I tried to look at the situ ation in a more positive way and find things to keep my mind busy.”
The 16-year-old was already a dedicated volunteer for the National Lottery-backed Youth Resilience UK, an organisation co-founded by her mum Kelly to develop conflict-resolution skills and emotional strength in schoolchildren.
But Caitlin decided to help all ages in her community during lockdown, posting notes through the doors of vulnerable neighbours on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, offering to pick up shopping or medication. She says: “I didn’t think I’d hear from anyone, so when I got multiple calls I was in shock. I made sure we did it safely – I’d collect things on my bike or while walking my dog, with my sister Emma’s help.” Caitlin also started a Facebook group for NHS workers to pass on information about priority shopping times and queues, distributed more than 5,000 facemask clips to hos pital wards and even made face masks and made more than 100.
Caitlin’s tireless efforts have seen her named Young Hero at this year’s National Lottery Awards and win a £3,000 cash prize for Youth Resilience UK.
She is one of almost 5,000 incredible individuals who were nominated funded people and projects.
Caitlin says: “Volunteering gives me the motivation to get out of bed, even in my lowest moods.
“I want to show other young people that by helping others you can also help yourself.”
In September, she started a business course at college and recently sat her GCSE maths.
Kelly says: “Caitlin has worked really hard to get where she is. Most adults would have thrown in the towel. I am so proud to call her my daughter.
“We also thank National Lottery players for supporting our work.”
Youth Resilience UK is just one of the good causes that benefit from the £30million* you raise every week by playing The National Lottery.