HELP US SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE FROM CARE
From funding apprenticeships to lobbying for change, we’re helping young people from care get a fairer start in life. Help us do more.
TAKING THE NEXT STEP
Gerry, an Action for Children transition worker, supports care experienced young people in developing the skills they need to live independently and succeed in life. He helped one young person start their own business.
“I supported this young person, who has a learning difficulty, for 14 months. They’d been in foster care after a really traumatic past.
“They arrived saying they didn’t want to go to college, do any more studying or get a job with a company because they couldn’t deal with being told what to do. But I started to discover what they were interested in.
“I helped them find an online course, which we did together, and set up their own business working on what they’re passionate about. They had insurance and kept basic accounts. It was just so wonderful to see how far they’d come.”
HELP FOR TYLER
Tyler went into care at 11. Life continued to be chaotic, as Tyler was moved from foster carer to foster carer. When he met his partner and became a father, Tyler and his now-wife Simreen received support from Home-Start Corby.
“Home-Start is like having a family member who’ll help you out when you need it. They’re getting us through some stressful times, like with our housing. Just a few months after Simreen gave birth, we were served with an eviction notice. As soon as I saw the letter, I said we have to get hold of Home-Start, they’ll know what to do.
“We were moved into temporary accommodation. Home-Start got us a grant for food, electric and gas because we had no money. It was such a relief.
“I didn’t have a settled home, and that’s what I want for my son more than anything. Home-Start is supporting us to get there.”
THE CARE FAMILY CHRISTMAS
A highlight of the year at Who Cares? Scotland is the annual Christmas Day celebration for up to 150 members, volunteers and staff.
CEO Louise Hunter knows that Christmas can be a difficult time for many people who have experienced care. “Christmas can be difficult for lots of people, but especially for care experienced people who might not have traditional family networks or people to spend the day with. We make sure that the Care Family Christmas has the hallmarks of every other family Christmas with gifts, transport and accommodation for guests, decorations and dinner as well as games, crafts and Santa.
“This year, when times are hard for many, we want our members to have their best Christmas ever – and we wouldn’t be able to do that without the support of the John Lewis Partnership.”