As 2018 begins, it’s vital we keep the spotlight on care leavers. These are tumultuous times, where big political and economic issues like Brexit draw attention away from some of our most pressing social issues. Here in the third sector we cannot let this happen. We must shout even louder – and campaign even harder – to bring the stories of our clients to the fore.

Here at Drive Forward Foundation, we welcome the decision of See Potential (a government led campaign), to bring in 2018 with an emphasis on care leavers. See Potential drives the message that recruiting people from different backgrounds (including care leavers, ex-offenders, homeless people or people at risk of homelessness, long-term unemployed people, people recovering from addiction, single parents and military veterans) is a positive opportunity for businesses.

We couldn’t agree more. Our 20+ corporate partners can attest to the benefits of employing care leavers; in doing so they increase the diversity and inclusiveness of their workforce, bringing in unique perspectives and some incredible, resilient young people. Charities such as Drive Forward Foundation provide the support, consultation and relationships with care-leavers that employers need in order to successfully engage this group. In this video, we hear two prestigious businesses (Lloyds Bank and Saatchi&Saatchi) share their experience of employing two care leavers.

We’re happy to report that the two young men portrayed in this video are progressing in leaps and bounds. Michael has responded well to the discipline of the armed services and is now a fully-fledged member of the British Army, whilst Leke’s banking career has taken him to Halifax.

Ruby Lawrence is Head of Corporate engagement at Drive Forward Foundation