Care Experienced History Month
April is Care Experienced History Month. It is a time for us to recognise, reflect on, and amplify the voices and experiences of people who have been in care. Whether through foster care, residential care, or kinship care, care-experienced people have stories that matter, and those stories deserve to be heard not only this month, but all year round.
Care Experienced History Month is about raising awareness of the challenges faced by those with care experience while also celebrating their achievements and contributions to society. It highlights the importance of listening to lived experience and using it to improve systems, support networks, and opportunities for future generations.
From education and employment to mental health and housing, care-experienced individuals navigate complex journeys and it is vital that we learn from these journeys to better shape the future.
Go Higher West Yorkshire (GHWY) is committed to doing just that. We believe the experiences of care-experienced young people should be at the heart of everything we do. As part of our Care to Go Higher CPD-certified course, we will be featuring guest speakers who have firsthand experience of the care system. They will share their experiences with us, tell us about the challenges they faced and detail their journey into Higher Education while handling the many other challenges that come with experiencing care. These students share their personal stories, insights, and advice, offering invaluable perspectives that cannot be found in textbooks.
In addition, we have recently published our Care Leavers Transition Pack — a resource developed to support young people leaving care as they take their next steps in education. This pack reflects real-life challenges and provides practical, empowering guidance. From managing finances to finding accommodation, the pack addresses common issues care leavers face, all through the lens of lived experience.
Care Experienced History Month is a reminder that the past shapes the present — and by understanding and honouring that past, we can build a more inclusive and supportive future.
At GHWY, we are proud to be part of that journey, and we will continue to work with care-experienced individuals to ensure their voices guide and shape our work.
Rob Scott, GHWY Training Delivery Officer
