"Walk in My Shoes"aims to raise awareness about children in care. Trauma doesn't discriminate—everyone is vulnerable. I was born into love, yet my world changed overnight. Let's challenge the stigma that only 'troubled' kids end up in care. It's time to rethink our perceptions.

Many children in the care system struggle with mainstream education, often due to mental health challenges. Over the years, I've heard from young people who have been bullied for not having the 'right' uniform or latest school bag. While these may seem trivial to some, they cause

During a recent visit to a young offenders facility, it was great to see staff volunteering as care champions for young people coming through the system. This initiative should be extended to all areas—especially education and employment. Having a care champion—an advocate,

Children in care don't need sympathy; they need understanding, love, and the belief that they can achieve great things despite their past. Consider this: I quote Einstein-insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. This perfectly reflects

Today is a special day to celebrate some remarkable young children Caring Hearts Fostering Huge thanks to Madlug™, John Lewis & Partners and BlinkPublishing for your generosity and unwavering support for the children and young people in our care system. Your kindness makes a lasting

Something to consider: Every year, hundreds of young people in our care system go missing. A significant number of these children are forced into criminal organisations, particularly drug gangs and county lines operations. Schools play a crucial role in offering these children

Imagine not choosing a good provider for young people in semi-independent care because the rooms they provide are 'too nice.' Even though it's within budget for the local authority, they didn’t want the young people to get 'used to luxury.' Yes, you read that right. Instead, they

Fostering a child is indeed one of the greatest acts of love. It is a profound expression of selflessness and compassion, offering a child the stability, care, and affection they so deeply need. When you open your home and heart to a child who has lost their foundation, you

I battled addiction throughout my 20s, starting one night at my lowest point—homeless, broke, and desperate. One white line was all it took to spiral into years of misery. Growing up in care, I never got the therapy I needed, and those wounds followed me into adulthood. Every

The Department for Education reported that 41% of care leavers in England (aged 19-21) were not in education, employment, or training. This is a significant issue that needs urgent attention. That’s why the Care Leavers Project is working nationally to create more opportunities

When local authorities close down key services in our communities for young people in care, we inevitably see a rise in homelessness. Vulnerable teenagers are already sleeping rough, and without proper support, this crisis will only worsen. We must invest in youth services now to

With tough financial decisions ahead for central government, how can they cut costs in the care system and youth services when they've already been stretched to their limits? Any further reductions will inevitably harm young people's well-being and mental health, increasing

Just a reminder: this is a 16-year-old’s room in so-called 'semi-independent care.' Yes, there’s a bed, but I’ve seen prison cells with higher standards. We must make care experience a protected characteristic to stop local authorities from using providers who charge astronomical

I left the care system at 16 in 1996. My experience was horrific—something out of a horror movie. I returned to the system in 2014, this time as a professional, only to find that nothing had changed.Our most vulnerable children and young people are treated like

I've spent the last ten years campaigning for change in our care system. As a care leaver who has also worked in every area of residential support and semi-independent care, I've spoken with thousands of young people. I travel constantly, sharing my work, books, and lived

A prison cell and a bedroom for a 16-year-old, provided by the local authority working with a private housing company. You could say one leads to the other—if we treat vulnerable children in the care system like second-class citizens, the outcome will inevitably be destructive.

The majority of young people leaving care are left in unsafe, squalid accommodation that’s unfit for purpose. I've witnessed this firsthand and helped many file complaints with local councils. It's heartbreaking that our most vulnerable children aren't a priority. Despite endless

Hundreds of young care leavers are at risk of homelessness this winter. Local authorities are struggling to provide temporary accommodation, forcing vulnerable teenagers to move across the country—often with the choice to accept it or face homelessness. This is their reality.

The Care Leavers Project is a transformative initiative designed to open doors for young people in the care system. We’re building a powerful network through social media, collaborating with leading charities and organizations nationwide. This is more than just a platform—it’s a

I spent much of my life struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. In my late 20s, I realised I had a problem and needed help. My first steps were rebuilding my relationship with my mum and accepting my past, which had been toxic and destructive. I finally got clean, but the