Become

@becomecharity.org.uk

In care. Leaving care. We care. Free Care Advice Service: 0800 023 2033 WhatsApp: 0786 003 4982

More teenagers are being let down every year by a care system that expects them to move on because of their age, not because they're ready. Leaving care too soon can increase the risk of poverty, poor mental health and homelessness. Find out more: https://bit.ly/4wvfM98

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For over 30 years, we've been standing alongside care-experienced young people, championing their voices and pushing for a better care system. And this year, together, we've made an even bigger impact. Read our latest Impact Report to find out more: https://bit.ly/4w2ymVd

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We spoke to eight young women, aged 18 to 27, from across England. All had been moved long distances. All had experienced exploitation. With the right support, every child in care can have the love, stability and opportunities they deserve. Read our latest report: https://bit.ly/4yPVIjB

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The care system is broken. But it isn’t broken forever. With a national plan and proper investment to create the right homes in the right places, we can make sure children can grow and feel safe. Let’s end profiteering in children’s care. Read the full article: https://bit.ly/4vt08cX

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Over 18,000 children in care are living away from their local area - some more than 500 miles away. Every year, this number grows. Our new report shows that being cut off from their support network is putting girls in care at risk. Read our full report: https://bit.ly/4vtYxnu

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Children in care need stability, connection, and safety. Not distance. Not isolation. Not exploitation. Our new #GoneTooFar report shares the voices of care-experienced young women and how distance moves put them at risk. Watch the video below and read the full report: bit.ly/4vivxPi

Good luck to everyone taking part in Biking for Children in Care! 🚴 It’s their 25th anniversary ride, with cyclists setting off today from Lincoln and finishing up 200 miles later in York on Monday. Every mile cycled and every donation will help change the lives of care-experienced young people.

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Chereece, a care-experienced young person we work with, shares her experience of being moved into illegal, unregistered children’s homes. Her story is yet another reminder: the care system is failing, and it's children and young people paying the price. Read the full article: https://bbc.in/4dEEHPi

We’re currently having some issues with our website and email, but we’re working hard to get things back up and running as soon as possible. If you’re supporting a young person who needs advice or support, our Care Advice Service is still here to help: Call: 0800 023 2033 WhatsApp: 0786 003 4982

We’re really pleased that the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act has become law. For care-experienced young people, this Act will make a huge difference. We’ve worked closely with young people to help influence these changes, so it’s great to see the Government listened and took action.

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Last week, we supported some brilliant care-experienced young people to give evidence to the Joint Committee on Human Rights, sharing their views on how well the social care system upholds young people’s rights. It was an important conversation, and we hope it helps to drive change.

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Join us on 22 April by wearing red, getting creative, and raising funds so we can be there for care-experienced young people everyday. Whether it’s dressing up in red or hosting red-themed games, you can help us raise awareness. Get involved: https://bit.ly/4d6ltDH

On red background, white text reads: "'Go Red' for Become," "Wednesday 22 April," and "Wear red to support children in care and care-experienced young people." Below, a hand holds a yellow megaphone, with the words "Make Change Happen" emanating from it in blue text. An arrow points to the right at the bottom.Collage on a red background. Text at the top reads, "Set up your fundraising page and #GoRed this April." The images include: a group of people wearing red accessories; a person in a lobster costume; another group dressed in red near a sign for Terminal 3; and a person posing with heart-shaped glasses and a feather boa, framed as a social media post. Becomes’ logo is at the bottom right.

Many care-experienced young people don’t get the support they need and are left to face adulthood alone at 16, 17, or 18 - long before anyone should have to be independent. A monthly donation can be a powerful way to show up for young people. Be someone they can rely on: https://bit.ly/4rWzpUG

A red background with bold white text at the top reads, “Become Someone to Rely On.” Below, inside a peach speech bubble, is the quote: “I got kicked out of my placement at 1am and they had nowhere for me to go, so I had to move to a hospital 30 miles away and call that my home for four months.” The quote is attributed to “a care-experienced young person.” At the bottom, white text invites people to join a community of regular givers supporting care-experienced young people.

How can your services best support the needs of care-experienced young people during key transitions? We’re teaming up with ReThink to share findings from their latest research in this area. Join us online on Tuesday 21 April, 9:30am-11am. Join this important conversation: https://bit.ly/4uDxOWa

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The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for care-experienced children and young people is launching a new inquiry into how the care system protects and supports children’s relationships. Watch Jess Asato MP, co-chair of the APPG, explain more about the inquiry. Get involved: https://bit.ly/4lJkifO

Happy #InternationalWomensDay! ❤️ Every care-experienced girl and young woman should have their rights protected, their voices heard, and equal access to opportunities. Today, and every day, we’re celebrating them and continuing to push for change, so they can thrive.

There's a lot going on in the world right now and it may be making you feel upset or unsettled. Our Care Advice Line is open 10am to 5pm. We're here to listen and support you. Call: 0800 023 2033 WhatsApp: 0786 003 4982 Email: advice@becomecharity.org.uk

Bold text on a red phone-shaped icon reads "SOMEONE WHO CARES" in bright yellow letters. Below is a blue heart with a yellow phone symbol inside. The icon is set against a light peach background, surrounded by a blue circle and radiating lines.

Are you, or someone you support, care-experienced and thinking of applying to uni? We’re running a free online workshop to help students understand how student finance works and everything they need to know before and after they apply. Click the link to sign up: https://bit.ly/4azOt57

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The session covers the student finance application process, required evidence, additional funding, and tips for care-experienced students. 

Date and time: Wednesday 4 March, 6–7pm.

Huge thanks to a wonderful group of dog walkers in Sheffield who fundraised £600 from the sale of their book, Dogs of Chelsea Park, in memory of their dear friend Barley. She was a real champion of children in care and care leavers ❤️ You’re all brilliant, and we couldn’t do this without you.

A person is wearing a large, fluffy brown dog costume with a small black hat, standing in front of a blue shop window decorated with various cards, photos, and Christmas decorations.Cover of a book titled "Dogs of Chelsea Park." It features a whimsical illustration of four dogs in a park setting, surrounded by greenery and a sign reading "Sneaky Hound Walk." The subtitle reads "Tales of the adventures & friendships of the dogs and their people."

Yesterday, we were at The Care Leaders Summit in York 🙌 We loved chatting about our support services and our Personal Adviser Development Programme, which is the first accredited programme of its kind in England. Find out more about our programme: https://bit.ly/4qTdhK9

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On Tuesday, Tia, a care-experienced young person, joined us for a breakfast meeting at Downing Street. Watch her video for some behind-the-scenes moments from the day 🙌 Want to know more about what we get up to? Click the link below: https://bit.ly/4cNq2T1