Features / Interviews
We spoke to care leavers trying to break stereotypes
A life growing up in the care system can be a difficult thing. As if there weren’t enough challenges being in care, car leavers also face stigma and stereotype.
We spoke to two care leavers at an exhibition featuring videos and live presentations by care leavers wishing to tell their stories.
The exhibition provided a platform for care leavers to be shown in a positive light; for people to hear the challenges they faced and overcame, and their ambitions for the future.
It is also hoped the exhibition can be a means of improving the current care system.
Rosie, 22, moved to the city centre when she went into care at the age of 16.
Were there any particular challenges you faced during this time?
“Learning to be independent, keeping self-motivated and dealing with all the emotional issues.”
Did you receive a good level of support from your care experience?
“I was one of the lucky ones, I had a consistent social worker throughout, most care leavers have around 5-6 different social workers. I think that helped me a lot by having one consistent one because you build a relationship with that person. Whereas when you’ve got 5-6 it’s very hard to build a relationship each time and you have to keep repeating your story.”
Do you think being a care leaver affects employment chances?
“I personally don’t think it does. I think it gives you more of a chance because you’ve got all the support around you. I think the stigma around care leavers is that they’re not going to do as well as those not in care but I think this exhibition is what’s going to help change that.”
Dan Mullinder, 21, said: “I live in a council flat in Stockwood. I grew up in Hanham when I used to be in foster care then moved to Stockwood when I was 18. I moved around a lot to different flats. I left care when I was 17.”
What were the challenges you faced during your time in care?
“Going through lots of moving around and some of my carers didn’t understand my behaviour. Some of them couldn’t control my behaviour. The shortest care I stayed in was just one week, they couldn’t handle me.”
Did you feel you received enough support?
“I got some support, but I had 6 different social workers, some were too strict for me. I didn’t like how short term it was, that didn’t help me.”
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