The Care Leaders Fellowship

Truly delighted with this book review of Free Loaves on Fridays, in international journal of group and family care experience. As the reviewer notes, with 100 authors and a no-rejection policy, this book “could have been an editorial nightmare. But it turned out to be inspired”. Hope that the rest of the publishing world takes note; this is proof that inclusion is more than a buzz word, and that every voice - not just the publishing elite - has the right to take up space on the page.

a joyful escape, to elevate above the estate, fascinated by what I could create, curious from day, now I get paid to animate, the after effects of how I meditate 😉 now check the keyframes that I display, levitated expressions on this world stage, its flo state! Bullet time and space, as the beat vibrates my surround sound in your headspace, laced my with the palette  of atomic habits, the rap addict, motion graphic designer of magic, slicker than your average, thats established  The blessed being doing his thing, I keep it banging 🔊🔊🔊 The Creative Act - Out Now https://lnkd.in/ebgnAC_U

This is what it’s all about for us. Supporting young people to succeed, grow in confidence and take opportunities to help them fulfil their potential. We provide mentoring for all our young people, but our Movement Mentoring programme is specifically designed to give young people who don’t feel ready or able to integrate into a group environment more regular, tailored support. Using all the same principles and trauma-informed approach as our other programmes, we support these young people to work through their experiences and safely express themselves , ultimately working to integrate them into a group class. As this feedback shows, the effects tend to spill over into other areas of their life, improving their ability to integrate at school, their wellbeing and self-belief. Please reach out to us if you have any young people who would benefit from this programme.

To mark National Care Leavers Week, below is a selection of extracts from Free Loaves on Fridays. These are just three of our 100 authors who together challenge stereotypes, expose the realities of care, and illustrate the messy journeys of love and loss combined within care. A must-read for anyone supporting children and young people in any sector, not just care. Get your copy here: https://lnkd.in/eemZkMVa Proceeds to Article 39 & The Together Trust.

Amazing 👏🏼 Well done to Shanice & everyone involved!

🚐 The Smash Life roadshow continues! 🚐 We’ve been hitting the road around the UK, connecting with social care and residential staff from some of the biggest companies, sharing the lessons from our own care experience. Our mission? To turn our journey – the good, the bad, and the “did-that-really-happen?!” – into real, impactful learning for those on the frontlines of care. 🌟 Special Highlight 🌟 One standout moment: rocking up to Middlesbrough Town Hall to deliver our talk, “The Rock and Roll Years.” In this no-holds-barred session, we shared our post-16 care journey, that pivotal time when care left us to navigate the world solo. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows – but that’s the point. This was raw, real, and didn’t hold back… and honestly, the directors and managers loved it! I think they were thrilled to get a break from the usual corporate jargon. Less “corporate robot,” more “real talk.” It’s always something special when staff come up after the talk, quietly saying they loved how “real and authentic” it felt. That’s the feedback that means the most to us. If we can connect, resonate, and maybe even make a few people laugh (and think), then we’re on the right track. Here’s to more miles, more laughs, and continuing to inspire the real humans who make a difference every day. Let’s keep it raw, real, and ready to shake things up! Want to book us for training or a powerful keynote? Contact us now - dates flying out for 2025! Info@smashlifeuk.com www.smashlifeuk.com #smashlifeuk #leadingfromtheheart #livedexperience #keynotespeakers #cpd #stafftraining #inspire #careleaver #post16 #residential #socialcare #fostering #adoption #socialworkers #brothers #training #conferences #livedit

Finally getting a moment to reflect on the thought provoking, inspiring conversations I was involved in at West Midlands Virtual School Foundation Conference this week. I met some incredible people and attended powerful sessions. The day was organised with young people and we heard their voices and experiences throughout. A big shout out to Geese Theatre Company Your skill and ability to bring real life experiences and emotions of care experienced people who are navigating the challenges of the education system to life was fantastic. A powerful message from Andy Wright OBE who reminded us to always provide keys for young people, to support them despite the challenges within their lives or the system. Provide them with the keys to open new doors. I am always so grateful to be surrounded by inspirational people. Who are all on a joint mission to make change for young people across the country. 👏🏼💙

Still reflecting on all the great conversations and to thought provoking content from the West Midlands Virtual School Foundation Conference yesterday! So many incredible people coming together to think about how we can do better for our young people. A couple of things really stood out to me: - Geese Theatre Company led an interactive session depicting the journey many care-experienced young people go on. Many young people also talked about the power of community, interdependence, relationships and the importance of embracing our inner child. - Andy Wright OBE spoke how despite the challenges within the system, when passionate people come together we can provide keys for young people to experience more doors opening. - Finally, such an insightful presentation by Dr Dawn Bradley, about how dance can not only ‘turn pain into power’, it also enables us to develop social connection with other people. It was amazing to see dance and the arts being brought to the table when it is so often overlooked, something which is obviously very close to my heart. It gave so much hope to be surrounded by so many people on a mission to bring about change. I was left with words from Luke Rodgers BEM, which ring true on so many levels - “As human beings, we are not built to be alone. We are built to be in community”. 

Today I am off to Tyre Hill House Family Assessment Centre to deliver training to the team. Today is our second meeting, focusing on lived experience of care; the first half focused on language and the lasting impact, alongside therapeutic recordings. Today we’re talking all things ‘ACEs’, speaking on my own personal journey and looking at this through a strengths-based lens. This is a personal one, a journey that I am thankful to be a part of. Tyre Hill House will specialise in supporting care experienced parents (the first in the UK!). As many of you know, I’m a new Mum, with my 9 month old at home. I reflect so much on my time in care and being a new Mum brings with it so many thoughts of things I missed out on, on the support I wish my parents had had. I think so much about where I’m at now and how proud I am to be able to do things differently from my parents. I am excited at the prospect of a home that solely focuses on supporting Mums and families in similar situations. I can’t help but think if my own Mum had had such support, how different things might be. This is just the start of the conversation, this experience of parenting when you’ve been in care yourself is one I’ll keep coming back to! For now, time to focus on today- I can’t wait.

Is the Care System Doing Enough for Vulnerable Children? Join Luke Rodgers BEM and Karylle Phillips as they explore the complexities of child placements in the social care system. In this month's episode of 'Conversations That Care,' our hosts delve into the ongoing debate surrounding local authorities, independent providers, and the quality of care offered to vulnerable children. With their combined experience as care leavers and professionals, Luke and Karylle offer a unique perspective on this critical issue. In this episode, you'll discover: 👉🏽The challenges and benefits of local authority and independent placements: Learn about the pros and cons of different placement options and the impact they can have on children's lives. 👉🏽 The impact of unregulated placements on vulnerable young people: Understand the risks associated with unregulated placements and the importance of quality care. 👉🏽Strategies for improving the quality of care in the social care system:  Explore potential solutions and innovations to enhance the care provided to children in need. Tune in now!! 🎧 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eRjTm8mQ 📺 Watch here: https://lnkd.in/egK3uPhz #LivedExperience #FosterCare #SocialWork #CareSystem #ChildrensSocialCare #CareExperience #ConversationstheCare