Growing up in care, there were many moments when I felt unheard, silenced even. Before entering care, I lived in a home where dysfunction and secrecy were normalised. Adults around me, whether family members or professionals, often believed they knew what was best. When I tried to speak my truth, it was dismissed, ignored, or misread. Over time, that taught me to hide parts of myself; to keep secrets, to survive. As children, we are never responsible for the actions of adults

I believe that when young people are not just heard, but actively involved in shaping the services, policies, and opportunities that affect them, that’s where real change happens. And sadly, the need for this is more urgent than ever. Recent UK data paints a concerning picture of how care-experienced and marginalised young people are being failed by systems meant to support them.  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj4dyy9kgrro Over 4,300 care leavers aged 18–20 in 2023/24 w