HELP US SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE FROM CARE
From funding apprenticeships to lobbying for change, we’re working to give young people from care a fairer start in life. Help us do more.
WHY DO WE CARE?
All young people need help and encouragement to reach their goals. But for people who grow up in care, this support is even more important. They’re as individual, motivated and talented as anyone else, but care experienced people face all sorts of barriers that other people don’t. That’s just not fair. So Building Happier Futures is here to help break down those barriers and give care leavers the support they need to learn, earn and thrive – as well as providing more early support to families.
children growing up in care in the UK*
of care leavers aren’t in education, employment or training
of homeless people have been in care
of care leavers go to university (compared to 40% of their peers)
CREATED WITH CARE
This beautiful tote bag was designed by Michael Archibald, a talented aspiring artist from Glasgow who has experienced care. The stars represent the brilliance of care experienced people, and the clouds depict the love and respect they need. All profits will go to our Building Happier Futures fund.
HOW WE’RE HELPING
donated to charities
charity products sold
apprentices hired
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.”
OUR LONG-TERM COMMITMENT
We’re helping young people from care into education and work. Because caring shouldn’t stop at 18.
From scholarships initiative to apprenticeships, we’re helping young people from care to find careers at John Lewis and Waitrose.
We’re asking those in power to ensure fairer policies for young people in the care communities.
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Support for rural communities
The Prince’s Countryside Fund receives an annual donation from the sale of Duchy Organic products.
Create not hate
We’re working with non-profit organisation Create Not Hate to unlock the potential of young people who are underrepresented in the creative industries.
Find out more