Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Young carer wins national gong for anti-bullying battle
Teenager also helps look after six siblings
An inspirational teenager from Canterbury has won a national award for raising awareness of bullying and mental health issues.
Megan Parker, 16, was honoured for her work with Headstart Kent, which supports schools to help young people cope with difficult situations in their lives.
As well as caring for six siblings for the last 18 months, some of whom have special educational needs, Megan has worked tirelessly to develop resources and training for schools to handle mental health challenges.
Every month the Canterbury Academy student takes part in a Kent wide anti-bullying campaign. She has grown in confidence, co-hosting a wellbeing event for more than 200 young people and mental health professionals in March. Megan said: “I never started this work for an award but it means so much to me to know what I’ve done isn’t invisible and that I have really helped people.
“To have it is both overwhelming and validating, and it’ll mean more than I can say for a very long time.”
David Weiss, boss of Headstart Kent, added: “We are extremely grateful to Megan for all her hard work. Although very busy as a young carer, she has continued to thrive academically, receiving her English literature GCSE a year early and getting an A grade.
“Despite her commitments, Megan has dedicated much of her free time to helping others. She is truly a remarkable young person and we are very proud of her.”
Megan is a key member of Headstart - which is funded by the National Lottery and delivered by Kent County Council. She is involved in decision-making, participating in interview panels, helping to commission services for young people and to assess grants and services. She even finds time to be part of the Sensational choir, Canterbury’s only choir for disabled children and their siblings. Megan won the children’s achievement award at The Children and Young People Now Awards held at the Hurlingham Club in London on Thursday, November 28.
‘She is a remarkable person and we are very proud of her’