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Monday 25th October marks the start of National Care Leavers’ Week, ending on Sunday 31st October 2021.
A Care Leaver is someone who has spent a period of time living in arrangements outside their immediate or extended family, before their 18th birthday; this can be in foster or residential care, and provided by local authorities, social services, or a voluntary charity.
The experience of being in care and the long-term impact of an unsettled upbringing and missed education can lead to mental health problems and other difficulties in adult life.
The Ministry of Defence understands the needs of care leavers better than ever before, but there is always more that can be done. Defence is now represented at the Care Leaver Covenant Ministerial Board, to improve outcomes and experiences of care leavers. The Board reports annually to the Prime Minister and provides a forum for Ministers to agree commitments that ensure the Government deliver changes; this led to the Ministry of Defence signing the Care Leavers Covenant.
Earlier this year, a podcast was launched to promote the inspiring stories of care leaver in the Armed Forces. Each unique story raises awareness and celebrates the incredible work of care leavers in Defence.
Listen to the inspiring stories from some of our care leavers here to help mark the beginning of national Care Leavers’ Week.
In the series, five Service personnel discuss their experiences working as Defence care leavers. The podcast also gives voice to two experts in the field, Professor Mike Stein and Paul Skidmore from Leeds City Council, who have contributed significantly to increase our understanding on how to support care leaver colleagues to reach their full potential.
A Care Leavers’ Working Group (Care Leavers’ Group) made up of both civilians and personnel, was established to provide first-hand experience and insight to guide future policy and Defence ways of working. They share information and provide opportunities for care leavers in Defence.
Corporal Eden Carr spent her childhood living in foster homes, before joining the Army aged 19. Eden soon realised her family background was very different to the other recruits and she needed some support. She discusses how she approached the Army Welfare Service, and now works to improve forces life for those who have left care.
Commander Paul Thomson also spent some of his childhood living in foster homes, before joining the Royal Navy. He secured a place at university with the help of a Royal Navy undergraduate scheme and is now enjoying a successful career in the service. Paul talks about his experiences both in and out of uniform and explains why a background in care does not define the rest of your life.
Leading Writer Louise Dorsett spent time in foster homes as a child and then lived independently as a young adult before joining the Royal Navy for five years. She broaches the unique challenges faced by those who join the military without a strong family support or home to visit when on leave.
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Jay Jay Rainford spent his childhood in the care system, before attending Welbeck Defence Sixth Form college and joining the Submarine Service. Jay Jay only recently opened up about his experiences, wanting to raise awareness of the difficulties care leavers can face.
Lieutenant Colonel Tracey Wright first went into care when she was three years old. She knew she wanted to join the Army and attended Cadets as soon as she could. Tracey discusses the stability Cadets provided her with, and how she believes a life of structure in the forces was the right choice.
Further information for care leavers joining, serving or leaving the Armed Forces is now available on GOV.UK.