Our objectives
Children We Care For supports children and young people in care, including those living in foster placements, children's homes and residential settings, along with young people who have recently left care and are finding their way into adult life. We work with children and young people up to the age of 18, starting in London and growing from there.
Young people in care face some of the steepest odds of anyone in our society. Through no fault of their own, many have experienced abuse, neglect or family breakdown, and most are almost entirely reliant on statutory support. That support is stretched, and it doesn't always cover the everyday things the rest of us take for granted, whether that's toiletries, suitable clothing, a travel card for a job interview, or simply the chance to enjoy being young. Over time that gap shows up in their confidence, their wellbeing and their life chances.
We exist to help close that gap. We source and provide essential items, positive experiences and one-to-one mentoring, and where nothing else is reasonably available we make small grants to meet a genuine need. The approach is deliberately practical and personal, getting the right thing to a specific young person at the moment it actually helps.
Why does it matter? Small, timely help builds the self-esteem and stability a young person needs to go on and become their best future self. Every child deserves that start, whatever their circumstances.
Our activities
Our work is delivered through a small set of focused programmes, which we are rolling out carefully as the charity grows. Through our Welcome Box Project, every young person entering a home under our provision receives a curated box of essentials and comforts, from toiletries and clothing to books, games and snacks, to help them feel welcomed and settled. Our Mentor a Child Project carefully matches young people with one-to-one mentors who help them overcome challenges, grow in confidence and unlock their potential. The My Future Self Project is a school-mindset programme that builds self-awareness and motivation around education and goal-setting, while our Do What You Love Project offers workshops, work experience and taster opportunities across different industries and hobbies. Through The Enjoyment Project, we provide the days out and experiences many children take for granted, including live sport, cinema trips, clubs and activities.
Alongside these programmes, we source donated goods and experiences from companies and partners, and make small grants where statutory provision falls short. We also signpost young people to trusted statutory and expert charity support, such as the NHS and Citizens Advice. We are starting small and local to build our experience and deliver safely, before expanding our reach across England.
