Celebrating Care Leavers Week - A Spotlight on Luke
National Care Leavers’ Week is all about coming together to celebrate care experienced individuals and raise awareness of the issues in the care system. This year’s theme, All of Us, We are One, highlights the importance of connection and community.
Meet Luke, a young person who loves gaming and vintage fashion! As part of National Care Leavers’ Week, we spoke with him about his experiences.
Luke left home at just 16 and has been on his own without family support since 2019. He shared, “The biggest challenge I faced was having to rely on social workers, the cash system, and being in accommodation.” But through it all, he learned to love himself and be okay on his own.
His journey has been helped by his mentor, Alison. Luke said. “When I moved into my first place about a year and a half ago, she found free furniture on Facebook Marketplace and brought it to me. She’s taught me a lot of things, like cooking, paying bills, and how to read contracts.”
When we asked Luke how care leavers could be better supported, he said, “A lot of people would benefit from reassurance, especially in supported accommodations, because they can be quite scary. Having a space to talk about your concerns can make a difference.”
Luke's advice for other young people with care experience? “Don’t feel bad about asking for help. Research what you're entitled to benefits-wise, especially if you’re struggling financially or with accommodation. Speak to your doctor about your mental health. It can really help.”
We are grateful to Luke for sharing his story during National Care Leavers’ Week. His journey reminds us of the strength and resilience in care leavers, and we celebrate him and all those who are on similar paths.