Northern Regional College graduate Kaitlin Tweed is using the skills developed through her studies to pursue a career supporting children and young people, while making services in her local community more inclusive.

Kaitlin completed the Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Health and Social Care Practice (Social and Community Work) at the College’s Newtownabbey Campus.

Her journey into community work began in July 2022 when she started volunteering with Glebeside Youth Club. The experience showed her the difference that a supportive community can make and inspired her to pursue further opportunities.

Kaitlin joined Glebeside Community Association in January 2023 and became its Secretary in January 2026. She also began volunteering with Bytes Youth Service in July 2024.

Through these roles, Kaitlin helps organise community events, supports fundraising and plans inclusive activities where children and young people can learn, build friendships and develop new skills.

Her commitment to inclusion has been shaped by growing up alongside her brother, sister and two cousins, who are autistic.

Kaitlin explained: “Growing up with my family gave me a better understanding of how important it is for every child to feel included, accepted and supported.

“When planning activities, I always think about how they can be adapted so every child, regardless of their needs or abilities, can take part, have fun and feel like they belong.”

Kaitlin chose to develop her knowledge and professional skills through Northern Regional College’s part-time HNC in Health and Social Care Practice. The course combines academic learning with practical experience across areas including safeguarding, mental health and wellbeing, equality and inclusion, social policy and community development.

She said: “Northern Regional College helped me grow both personally and academically. The course strengthened my communication, leadership and teamwork skills, while the support I received from my lecturers and through one-to-one assistance helped me overcome challenges and believe in my abilities.

“As someone with dyslexia and autism who has also experienced hearing difficulties, there have been times when I doubted myself. My experience at the College helped me realise that these differences do not define what I can achieve.”

Jenny Hutchinson, Lecturer in Health and Social Care at Northern Regional College, said: “Kaitlin is an excellent example of how education, lived experience and community involvement can come together to create a meaningful impact.

“She brought empathy, insight and a genuine commitment to supporting others to her studies. Kaitlin has taken the knowledge and skills developed through the course and applied them directly within her community, particularly in the areas of inclusion, safeguarding and young people’s wellbeing.

“We are very proud of everything she has achieved and look forward to seeing her continue to develop her career.”

Kaitlin has continued building her professional knowledge by completing an OCN Level 1 qualification in Youth Work and Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications in Digital Technology. She has also completed Suicide First Aid, Child Protection and Safeguarding training.

She has used this knowledge to help improve mental health support for young people, including developing training to help youth leaders recognise when someone may be struggling and respond appropriately.

Kaitlin said: “Mental health affects so many people, and having the right knowledge can make a real difference. My hope is that we can create a safer and more supportive environment where every young person feels listened to, valued and never alone.”

Her contribution was also recognised at Northern Regional College’s Student Awards in June, where she received the Community Ambassador Award after being nominated by staff and fellow students.

Kaitlin now hopes to build a long-term career working with children and young people, particularly those with additional needs, while continuing to develop Glebeside Youth Club as an inclusive and welcoming space.

She concluded: “I want to continue developing my knowledge and qualifications so I can provide the best possible support to young people. Ultimately, I want a career where I can make a lasting and positive difference to children, young people and their families.”

To find out more about high education courses on offer visit www.nrc.ac.uk.