Yesterday, our campaigns team attended an inspiring parliamentary event hosted by Barnardo’s and chaired by Darren Puffy MP. The event placed young people with care experience at the heart of the conversation, giving them the platform to share their stories and shape the debate on what needs to change in the care system.
Jake and Tia, two incredible young people, spoke candidly about their experiences in care and as care leavers. They highlighted the lack of practical and mental health support, unresolved trauma, negative experiences in supported accommodation, and the absence of lasting relationships. Their testimonies revealed the harsh realities of facing homelessness, eviction, and the challenges of navigating the benefits system – such as struggling to pay council tax when starting work.
When talking about having adults in their lives that care and support them, one young person powerfully put it:
“If I had those relationships, I wouldn’t have been homeless.”
The panel also featured key figures shaping policy for children and families:
- Josh MacAlister, Minister for Children and Families
- Helen Hayes MP, Chair of the Education Select Committee
- Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council
Each shared their perspectives and commitments:
Josh MacAlister, the Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, spoke about the upcoming Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill and funding commitments, including £2.4 billion for local authorities to staff family teams, support multi-agency collaboration, family group conferencing, and advocacy for parents in child protection. He confirmed that details of the grant will be published soon.
It was encouraging to hear Josh emphasise the importance of moving away from semi-independence for young people and instead building supportive care environments, with measures like ‘‘Staying Put’’ extended up to age 25:
“Pushing for semi-independence shouldn’t be happening. We should build care…”
Josh MacAlister, Minister of Children and Families
Helen Hayes MP called for a national offer for care leavers, rather than leaving support to local discretion and creating a ‘postcode lottery’. She stressed the importance of accessible mental health services, retaining Universal Credit for care leavers under 22, and better housing solutions. Helen also highlighted the need for robust data to understand and fix systemic issues.
Councillor Mark Roberts showcased Greater Manchester’s leadership through the GM Care Leaver Guarantee, co-designed with care leavers themselves. This includes:
- Free bus travel and half-price tram fares
- £3,000 housing allowance
- Council tax exemption
- Access to dental care
- Education support
The discussion underscored a shared commitment: law and policy must reflect what care leavers are telling us they need – secure housing, mental health support, and lifelong relationships.
“You cannot grow healthy being held by professional relationships. It is important to build healthy family help.” – Josh MacAlister
Closing thoughts
The highlight of the event was the young people themselves. Hearing their experiences and what they need to see change was deeply motivating. The event closed with optimism but also urgency: systemic change requires listening to young people and acting on their insights.
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