How you can continue to use your voice and time to make a difference
There are many ways to keep raising your voice, sharing your experiences, and shaping a better future for others with care experience once you reach 27. We are happy to have a conversation with you about what you can get involved in following on from our participation activities and services.
The first of these opportunities involve joining the wider Become community, which we’d love you to stay part of, but we’ve also shared some other options below beyond Become.
Become a Supporter for Become
You can still make a difference for young people in care by staying connected with Become. Sign up for our supporter newsletter to keep updated on our work, events and advocacy efforts.
Other opportunities at Become
If you’d like, you can look at fundraising for Become, we have spaces in running events if you’re up for a challenge, or you could join us at a cheer point.
You can inspire young care leavers looking for jobs by becoming a career progression volunteer with our Propel into Work service. Propel into Work: Career Progression Volunteering Opportunities
If you’re looking for a more involved role, you can consider applying as a trustee when opportunities arise. Trustees bring invaluable insights and guidance to help shape the direction of our charity.
As Become continues to grow and change there will be more opportunities for our adult care experienced community to get involved. We will update this page as they develop and share them in the Supporter Newsletter.
Other organisations and resources
Here are some resources and other organisations where you can share your insights, contribute to meaningful causes, and stay connected with a community that values your lived experience.
Young Trustees Movement
The Young Trustees Movement is dedicated to amplifying young voices in governance roles. They help young adults join charity boards, where they can bring fresh perspectives and lived experience. This is a chance to make a real impact by influencing strategic decisions!
Become an Independent Visitor
The Independent Visitor Network connects care-experienced adults with young people who would benefit from a consistent and caring mentor. As an Independent Visitor, you’ll commit to regular visits and activities, building a unique one-on-one relationship over time. This is an opportunity to be a trusted guide, offering friendship and support as young people in care navigate challenges.
Goal 17: Mentor a Care Leaver
Goal 17’s mentoring program links care-experienced adults with young adults navigating life after care. As a mentor, you can share your knowledge, help build confidence, and support mentees in developing skills for independence.
The Care Leavers Association
The Care Leavers Association is a national network advocating for care-experienced people of all ages. By becoming a member, you join a community focused on policy change, support, and empowerment. Share your experiences to help improve support systems and raise awareness for care issues.
Care Experienced Movement
The Care Experienced Movement is a platform created by and for people with care experience, offering space for advocacy, storytelling, and community. Join to connect with others who’ve walked a similar path and to contribute to campaigns that influence public perceptions and policies.
Care Leavers Connected Magazine
Care Leavers Connected is a quarterly magazine created by and for care leavers to share stories, connect, and support each other. Read, share, or submit your own articles, artwork, and experiences to be part of this new community space. Check out the first issue here, and get in touch with ideas at [email protected]
Join a Lived Experience or Service User Advisor board in your local area
If you have experienced ill mental health and been involved with any mental health services, you can check if your local council runs any Lived Experience groups or Service User council roles, where you can use your experiences to shape a more positive future for others. You can search “Expert by experience for Mental Health in [your area]” to find more.