Care Experienced Stories of Success

On Monday 11th March 2024, Judith, our Founder and CEO, was invited to be one of the Keynote Speakers at the National Association of Virtual School Heads Conference 2024, who were ‘Celebrating 10 Years of Care Experience Success’. 

We understand that the landscape of Children’s Social Care Sector is changing, as those of us with Lived Experience of the Care System, take a stand to provide Solutions, to help make things better for the current and next Care Experienced Generation and for them to see that they are not alone.

We also understand that coming through the Care System, there is stigma and a reluctance to believe that we can become successful because what we have been through, but we (as a Care Experienced Community) have many unique Stories of how we’ve achieved and improved our outcomes and life chances, inspite of the traumatic experiences, that led to us being placed in the Care System.  

Here's a part of Judith Keynote:  

“Some of us have achieved through the Academics, some through Vocational Training and some through Apprenticeships.

We’ve learnt that our Care Experience is a Chapter in our life and not the end of our Story, and that there are many, many more experiences ahead of us.

And so we are… Authors, Actors, Doctors, Nurses, TV Presenters, Athletes, Footballers, Entrepreneurs, Lecturers and Teachers, you’ll find us working in Government, in the Financial Industry, in Construction, in Hospitality, the Legal World and in the Music, Fashion and Entertainment Industry.

Some of us are Parents with our own beautiful families that will not be a repeat of the dysfunction we came from and some of us have bravely return to work in the Children’s Social Care Sector, to help make a difference.

Now please forgive me if I haven’t mentioned all of the Industries, Sectors and the different aspects of life we live, but if you look closely you’ll find us learning, growing and developing and on track to do great things, being cheered on by a community of genuine supporters and trusted advisors that help to keep us accountable and true to who we are.

And Yes we still face challenging and difficult times, but reflecting on the Pep Talks we’ve received along the way and embracing new Pep Talks that come with an on time fresh perspective, we’re able to ground ourselves, take care of our wellbeing, and keep on living, thriving and winning.”

As you watch and listen, Remember, you to many will still doubt and say they see no hope in our future, and that’s ok they’re entitled to their opinion, but they do not have the final say, because whenever that Care Experienced Child, Young Person or Adult becomes ready, open and willing to receive support through a Mentor or support wrapped up in a Pep Talk, we believe that CHANGE in the form of their version of success, IS indeed POSSIBLE!

If you believe this, why not share your thoughts or type ‘I AM SUCCESSFUL’ in the comments.

Here’s the link to hear the FULL Keynote.