Youth Work Week 2022: Q&A with Caz

1. What’s your role at the Brunswick Centre?

LGBTQ+ Young Person and Family Support Worker and Volunteer Co-Ordinator

2. Can you tell me a bit about yourself?

My name is Caz, my pronouns are she / her and I identify as lesbian. I started with The Brunswick Centre as a volunteer youth worker in June 2019 and became a full time employee in July 2021.

Prior to this role I was an LGBTQ Project Worker in Calderdale and before that I worked as a primary school teacher for 12 years. Between the age of 18 and 22 I was a magician’s assistant!

3. How important is making a difference in your line of work?

Making a difference to the lives of LGBTQ+ young people is really important and the reason why I choose do this job.

4. What have you learnt about yourself from doing the work you do?

I have learnt that I am really good at working with teenagers and young adults. I’m not afraid to stand up for others and speak out against injustice, stigma and prejudice.

5. How do you control your own emotions when dealing with a challenging situation at work?

Our work can be emotive at times, so it is important to be able to control your own emotions. I think this comes with time and experience and knowing that by doing our job in a calm and professional manor we are able to help that person or challenging situation.

6. What do you think is the most important thing that youth workers can do to support at-risk / vulnerable young people?

Listen and be accepting. Building positive, professional relationships with young people will enable youth workers to support the young people they work with.

7. How does it feel, hearing the impact your work has on people?

I am very proud of my role within the Brunswick Centre and our local LGBTQ+ community. Being able to see the impact that my work has on the young people, families and schools that I work with is a huge privilege for me.

8. What does it mean for you to be LGBTQ?

For me, being LGBTQ is about community and is an important part of my identity. I take pride in being out, proud and visible and I like to challenge stereotypes. I feel fortunate that I am able to draw on my own experiences to support other members of the community through my role at the Brunswick Centre.