On 26th March, we wrote to the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson CBE MP, calling on the government to ensure that care leavers are properly supported throughout the coronavirus crisis.
Understandably, much of the discussion around the impacts of isolation has been on older people. But those who have been through the care system are suffering just as much. And unlike many older people, they haven’t yet had the chance to build up savings and social networks to provide critical support.
Many of our young people are already facing unemployment and financial insecurity, and many feel increasingly isolated. But we know that with proper government intervention, we can stop some of the most vulnerable in our society falling through the cracks.
Covid-19 Care Leaver Fund #BecauseWeCare
This is not the time for catchy slogans and memorable images. Care leavers need your help to get through this crisis and they need it now!
“My fears are that I will be on my own with no food and no electricity and can’t afford to feed my cats. As I have depression it will make me feel separated and alone.” – R. 23, care leaver
The current crisis affects us all. Nevertheless, care-experienced young people will disproportionately suffer the consequences of the world fighting the Coronavirus. Many of them have lost their jobs or student bursaries with no recourse to advance payments from public funds, no savings in the bank and no family to support them financially or emotionally.
“For us, where do we turn when we have no money or no money for bills? Organizations are exhausted and have little to nothing to be able to give. Universal Credit is unable to give out advances as you’re still paying off the one you owed from last year not knowing that a crisis was looming.” – T. 21, care leaver
These young people are eager to move forward in life, and in times of crisis, they rely on all of us to support them.
“I’ve struggled with my depression and anxiety for a number of years and it tends to worsen as I feel demotivated or unable to get out and about.” – M. 19, care leaver
Your donation will help them:
- pay their gas, electricity and water bills, helping them not fall into debt;
- cover their broadband and mobile phone bills so that they can stay connected, continue their education and find support;
- help them buy daily essentials from food, to toiletries, to flu medicine, to baby nappies and pet supplies.
Together, we can help care-experienced young people get through this crisis. Thank you for your support today!
