What effect does looking into people’s living space via a video call have on us and, more importantly, on them? We are barraged with views of luxurious looking homes and backgrounds on television; the theme seems to be vast bookshelves, awards and pictures, high ceilings and (for want of a better phrase) “middle-class” homes.
Since the lockdown, my role seems to have taken a new shape. The decrease in available employment opportunities and the increase in basic needs such as food, shelter, company and positivism have caused me as an Employment Consultant to adapt to the needs of our young people.
PRESS RELEASE Leading care leaver charity Drive Forward Foundation welcomes the government’s announcement that it will do more to protect care leavers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Martha Wansbrough, the founder of the Drive Forward Foundation, said: ‘Young people taken into the care system are some of the most vulnerable members of our society and so …
For years, I’ve been entertaining the toxic habit of skipping breakfast after barely getting enough sleep only to then wonder why I’d find myself drifting to sleep in lessons or why I was so low in mood. Well, the answer to that is energy. Energy is essential to function. We gain energy through eating, sleeping, or exercise. Like a well-kept machine, we too have to recharge our batteries from time to time.
One day, this pandemic will be over and isolation, depression and anxiety for many will be that horrible time when they experienced something that care leavers have experienced their whole lives and many will continue to, long after Corona has done its deed.
Self-care comes in many shapes and sizes, whether its eating what you love, face timing a friend, banging on a face mask listening to your favourite record, going through your skincare routine or lounging in bed til 12 in the afternoon just do it and do NOT feel guilty about it.
“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
In these challenging times it is more important than ever to stick together and create positive change. So, here are some suggestions on how you can have a real impact, from the comfort of your home.
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.
For the thousands of people who live with an eating disorder – myself included – the pandemic is wreaking havoc with our lives and recoveries. Being unable to buy food is an absolute nightmare – ‘nourish to flourish’ is a lot harder when the only food in the shops seem to be soups and low-calorie items – living off which could lead to a rapid spiral.
We’re here to make a difference in the lives of young care leavers. Wherever they’re coming from, we’re on a mission to help open doors and give them the skills, confidence and inspiration to make some momentum and realise their full potential.
