Carers Centre welcomes new Trustee, Zain Boyko

Volunteers 3 November 2021

As we mentioned earlier in this week, this week is Trustees Week 2021 and no better time to introduce one of our newest Trustees, Zain Boyko.

Zain is 20 years old and is a young carer and a student. He has been a carer since the age of 16 and currently cares part time for his two younger brothers, who are 8 and 5 years old. One of Zain’s brothers is diagnosed with ADHD and his other brother is diagnosed with Autism and Global Delay. Zain is studying in IT and hopes for a successful future career in this industry. Zain is passionate about engagement, community involvement and supporting young carers; this has inspired him to be a member of the Board of Trustees, helping to make a real difference to carers lives.

Zain said “In 2019 I had to take the full responsibility of my two younger brothers, especially during the pandemic. Due to this, I had to put my studies on pause and take up challenging responsibilities I had to adapt to. 

During this struggle I have had tremendous support from Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre. They would provide free trips to go out with other young carers in a similar position to me. They would provide free courses that would help me in my caring role such as cooking and first aid. During the pandemic I received a wonderful health and wellbeing bag that would help me with my self care as a carer – it made me feel appreciated and valued.

Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre offer so many opportunities to me, as such, I have now secured a job. I attended a course which helped with employability skills, hosted by Wigan Youth Zone and once I completed the course, they offered me a job as a Youth Worker. I can fit this position around my caring responsibilities and they able me to to work flexible times.”

Chief Officer, Angela Allison said, “I am delighted that Zain has joined our Board of Trustees. I believe that his lived experience as a young carer and his passion to make a difference will add to the diversity of skillset we already have.”

Welcome aboard Zain. Exciting times are ahead for WLCC and the unpaid carers we champion.