HELP US SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE FROM CARE
From funding apprenticeships to lobbying for change, we’re working to give care experienced young people a fairer start in life. Help us do more.
WHY DO WE CARE?
All young people need help and encouragement to reach their goals. But for people who grow up in care, this support is even more important. They’re as individual, motivated and talented as anyone else, but care experienced people face all sorts of barriers that other people don’t. That’s just not fair. So Building Happier Futures is here to help break down those barriers and give care leavers the support they need to learn, earn and thrive – as well as providing more early support to families.
105K
children growing up in care in the UK*
4 in 10
of care leavers aren’t in education, employment or training
33%
increase in care leavers (18-20 yrs) facing homelessness since 2018
14%
of care leavers progress onto higher education by age 19 (compared to 47% of other children)
5 times
Children in care are five times less likely to achieve a grade 5 in English and maths compared with all pupils
45%
of children in care have a recognised mental health concern
MADE BY CARE
We’re proud to have developed a range of products designed by talented people with experience of the care system, and sold through John Lewis and Waitrose. All profits will go to our Building Happier Futures fund.
The latest Made by Care range has been designed by Izaac (they/them), a fine art student who has experienced care. Their work focuses on care records, family trees and maps of care homes. Find the two tote bags in store and online at Waitrose.
The full range is available to buy at John Lewis. It includes three unisex graphic T-shirts, a sweatshirt, two silk scarves and a printed mug.
John Lewis and Waitrose will donate all taxable profits from each full price product sold to the John Lewis Partnership Foundation, registered charity number 1118162.
HOW WE’RE HELPING
roles offered to care experienced people since Building Happier Futures launched in October 2022
care experienced people have attended our employability programme drop-in and tours since Building Happier Futures launched in October 2022
care experienced people have completed work experience since Building Happier Futures launched in October 2022
raised since 2022 for charities supporting care experience through selling products in our shops, online and through other customer fundraising initiatives
raised through the sale of the tote bag designed by a care experienced artist, our first Made by Care product
TAKING THE NEXT STEP
Ellie lived in one of Action for Children’s residential care homes up until the age of 18. At the time of leaving the home, Ellie seemed to be ready for independent living. However, when Ellie moved out her mental health went into a rapid decline. With the support of Kim, a residential care and transition worker, Ellie received the support to improve her wellbeing and is now working towards a brighter future.
The vital support Ellie received from Action for Children gave her a new lease of life:
“Kim and the team at Action for Children helped me through a really difficult period of my life. I was given the tools to get myself a job and my own home. They helped me to gain confidence in myself. With Kim by my side, or at the end of the phone, I’m no longer scared. I know I have someone who is proud of me, and I now have the courage to push through the hard times to be where I am today.”
HELP FOR TYLER
Tyler went into care at 11. Life continued to be chaotic, as Tyler was moved from foster carer to foster carer. When he met his partner and became a father, Tyler and his now-wife Simreen received support from Home-Start Corby.
“Home-Start is like having a family member who’ll help you out when you need it. They’re getting us through some stressful times, like with our housing. Just a few months after Simreen gave birth, we were served with an eviction notice. As soon as I saw the letter, I said we have to get hold of Home-Start, they’ll know what to do.
“We were moved into temporary accommodation. Home-Start got us a grant for food, electric and gas because we had no money. It was such a relief.
“I didn’t have a settled home, and that’s what I want for my son more than anything. Home-Start is supporting us to get there.”
THE CARE FAMILY CHRISTMAS
A highlight of the year at Who Cares? Scotland is the annual Christmas Day celebration for up to 150 members, volunteers and staff.
CEO Louise Hunter knows that Christmas can be a difficult time for many people who have experienced care. “Christmas can be difficult for lots of people, but especially for care experienced people who might not have traditional family networks or people to spend the day with. We make sure that the Care Family Christmas has the hallmarks of every other family Christmas with gifts, transport and accommodation for guests, decorations and dinner as well as games, crafts and Santa.
“This year, when times are hard for many, we want our members to have their best Christmas ever – and we wouldn’t be able to do that without the support of the John Lewis Partnership.”
OUR LONG-TERM COMMITMENT
EMPLOYMENT
We’re helping care experienced young people into work.
CAREERS
From scholarships initiative to apprenticeships, we’re helping young people from care to find careers at John Lewis and Waitrose.
CHANGE
We’re asking those in power to ensure fairer policies for young people in the care communities.
MORE LIKE THIS
Host Breakfast, change lives
We’re proud to support The Brilliant Breakfast, which raises money to help The Prince’s Trust change young women’s lives.
Support for rural communities
The Prince’s Countryside Fund receives an annual donation from the sale of Duchy Organic products.
Create not hate
We’re working with non-profit organisation Create Not Hate to unlock the potential of young people who are underrepresented in the creative industries.
Find out more
*100% of your donation will go to the Building Happier Futures fund, part of the John Lewis Partnership Foundation, registered company number 06058796 and charity number 1118162. Your donation will contribute to building supportive communities for care-experienced people, and help families and carers to create happy and secure homes. The John Lewis Partnership Foundation has committed to use 65% of total donations to continue supporting our work with Action for Children, Home-Start UK and Who Cares? Scotland.