Neurodivergent.| Founding CEO and director of My Trauma Is Chronic, But I Am Iconic!!|Expert by Experience at SLAM NHS and Merton Local Authority.|Multipotentialite.
As an 18-year-old setting out on this journey, it's perfectly natural to feel overwhelmed by the challenges that lie ahead, particularly when faced with such a stark and unforgiving environment. Your aspirations for a good life, education, and a career job aren't just reasonable; they're essential components of a fulfilling and prosperous future. It's heart-wrenching to hear about the obstacles you're facing, from the constant threat of danger in your surroundings to the systemic barriers preventing you from finding safe accommodation. The fact that you're left to navigate this alone, without the support of family or a safety net, only adds to the weight of your burden. Your desire for a chance at a better life shouldn't be a luxury; it should be a fundamental right. Every young person, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed. It's unjust that care leavers like yourself are being denied basic dignity and security simply because of their past experiences. The struggles you're enduring highlight the urgent need for change. Making care experience a protected characteristic is not just a matter of fairness; it's a matter of ensuring that vulnerable individuals are afforded the same opportunities and protections as everyone else. No child chooses to enter care, and they shouldn't be penalised for circumstances beyond their control. Your resilience and determination in the face of adversity are commendable. It's crucial to remember that despite the challenges you're confronting, you are not alone. There are organisations, advocates, and communities dedicated to supporting individuals like you in navigating these difficult circumstances and advocating for systemic change. You deserve better, and your voice deserves to be heard. Keep fighting for the future you envision, and know that there are many who stand with you in solidarity. Change may not come overnight, but with perseverance and collective action, a brighter tomorrow is possible. #MTICBIAI #MyTraumaIsChronicButIAmIconic #CareLeaversRights #YouthEmpowerment #SurvivalMode #ChangeIsComing #SystemicBarriers #NoChildLeftBehind #SupportForCareLeavers #JusticeForYouth #ResilienceInAdversity #CommunitySolidarity #BrighterFutureAhead #AdvocacyForAll #BreakingBarriers #EqualOpportunities #EmpoweringYouth
Best Selling Author of 'Damaged & The State of It'. National Campaigner. Speaker. Care Experienced. Agents: Graham Maw Christie
18 year old boy leaving care and embarking on his new life as an adult in the independent world. He has a room in a bedsit in a deprived area of London. The room below has been raided numerous times by police. Drug dealers driving around the area looking for opportunities. All he wants is a chance to live a good life, an education, a career job. A good night's sleep. Instead, as of his 18th birthday, his main objective is survival. No family, no support. He's looking for a new place to live because he's scared, and all he gets from landlords is 'No care leavers'. That's one reason why we need to make care experience a protected characteristic. #changeiscoming Remember no child puts themselves into care. It's not an option. It's not a luxury. Children in care are still children
