20 Aug 2025
We are delighted to announce the launch of My Care Journey, a publication curated and created entirely by care experienced young people, giving the reader a unique insight into life in the care system.
Conceptualised, written and designed by our “Joining up Joining in” peer researcher group, the publication concludes over two years of work by twelve remarkable young people who come from a variety of care backgrounds.
The Joining Up Joining in group, funded by the Blagrave Trust, are a group of Care Experienced peer researchers, trained with the help of The Learning and Work Institute. Over the two years the group have produces several research reports, produced and directed a film, influenced policy change in three local councils – who have now adopted care experience as a protected characteristic. In December we joined Terry Galloway and visited parliament and No 10 Downing Street to present a petition for a motion to remove local connection housing rules.
The book highlights that no two journeys through care are the same, that the system has its benefits as well as shortfalls and that care experienced young people harbour drive and hope for a better system in the future.
“These are inspiring and moving stories from 11 young people who have lived through the failings, as well as some of the humanity of our current care system. Listening to those with direct experience is a starting point for changing things”
Josh MacAlister OBE, MP Whitehaven and Workington and care campaigner.
This publication was designed with professionals and decision makers in mind, giving the reader a variety of information sources such as firsthand accounts, research facts and a poem, co-written with Care Experienced performance poet Ty’rone Haughton of Literati Arts.
The publication has been generously funded by The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation meaning our young people had an opportunity to collaborate and negotiate with paid professionals in graphic design, photography and marketing – ensuring their high-quality vision was realised and taking forward a key work skill for the future to boot!
“These stories of My Care Journey tell of the past, but also of hopes for the future. They deserve to be read, heard and heeded by us all”
Deborah Taylor, County Councillor and former acting lead of Leicestershire County Council and Lead member for children and families
A limited number of hard copies are available by request and a digital download is available here
We would like to extend our thanks to:
The Joining Up Joining in group
Krishna Kothari and Paul Whalley – Leaving Care team at Leicestershire Cares
The Learning and Work Institute
The Blagrave Trust
The Esme Fairbairn Foundation
Richard Dawson at Foil Design
Stuart Hollis Photography
Simon Gribbon – Sandstar Communications
Chartwell Press LTD
Ty’Rone Haughton – Literati Arts
HMP Leicester – for facilitating our visits
This was first published on https://www.leicestershirecares.co.uk/about-charity/news-events-/my-care-journey-publication-finally-here/
