A passion for helping young people find their own voice saw David Brady quit his Business Analyst job to return to full-time education.
A different outlook
David, 38, had spent many years working in banking IT before a volunteer role working with young disabled footballers made him re-evaluate his career and life goals.
He says: “I’d gone straight from school into the bank, without really thinking about it. Volunteering with local disabled children changed my outlook, and, eventually, my life.”
Personal experience
From the football club, David started volunteering with a local ADHD support group, before deciding that he wanted to study for a recognised Health and Social Care qualification.
David says: “It was personal for me. As a youngster I suffered my own health problems.
“Luckily, for me, I was articulate – I had a voice, and I also had a very supportive family.
“Sadly, many children don’t have that, and need people to advocate on their behalf; to be their champions.”
“Sadly, many children don’t have that, and need people to advocate on their behalf; to be their champions.”David Brady
After starting on an HNC course, it was a visit from UWS lecturers that spurred David on to study for the BA Integrated Health and Social Care Honours degree.
He says: “The blended learning nature of the course at UWS allowed me to continue working while I studied.”
David’s passion for volunteering saw him land a full-time job even before he graduated, working with young people at the Renfrewshire Carers Centre.
David says: “I run the Young Adult Carers project, helping young adult carers to move ahead in their lives. Many of these young people have spent years helping to look after parents or family members with health, drug or alcohol, or mental health problems.
“We offer the young adult carers one-to-one support, drop-in sessions, and help with school or college problems. We also try to give them something to look forward to, organising group nights, outings and training.”
David has also now become a board member of the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland Academy Board. The ALLIANCE is the national third sector intermediary for a range of health and social care organisations.
He says: “At times the work can be really challenging; we are always looking for funding to
support our services, but I love my job, and can see myself staying in the care sector for the rest of my life.
“Helping young people, and seeing them blossom, is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”
"I love my job, and can see myself staying in the care sector for the rest of my life".David Brady
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Last updated: 03/12/2018