Laura O’ Meara

What do you do at Carefree? 

I’m a Youth Worker working alongside the Youth Work team to deliver a variety of programmes to care experienced young people. These programmes are designed to help care experienced young people enhance their life skills, further develop healthy relationships, and provide the foundation to allow these young people to influence positive change for themselves and their Local Authority. 

What do you like about working at Carefree? 

Carefree is a truly beautiful environment to work in and I feel delighted to be part of the team. It is really great getting to know each and every young person we engage with and witnessing these young people develop is a real honour. I’m very happy to be part of a team who support each other with a diverse set of skills dedicated to providing the best opportunities for the young people we engage with. 

Can you say a bit about your past experience and qualifications? 

I initially joined Carefree as a volunteer while studying on the Children and the Young People’s Workforce (FdA) and progressed into full time employment while studying a BA (hons) in Human Behavioral Studies. I have previous experience working in a variety of charity sectors alongside a career in management in the hospitality sector.  I have worked with Restless Development delivering welfare programmes in primary and secondary schools across rural Zimbabwe. I have also worked with Crisis engaging with and supporting the unhoused population and Youth Focus North East a youth and community-based organisation.   

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? 

When I’m not working, I love exploring the beautiful Cornish coast – recently accompanied by my lovely little puppy! I enjoy doing anything outdoors and in the right weather I would rather be camping than sleeping under a roof! I also really enjoy live music and will rarely pass up an opportunity to attend a festival.