Supporting Care Leavers to Feel Valued, Connected and Hopeful

In Surrey, there are just under 1,000 children in care and around 800 care leavers aged 16–25. These young people face starkly unequal outcomes compared with their peers. Care leavers are three times more likely to be not in education, employment or training (NEET), a third experience homelessness within two years, and only 9% go on to higher education by the age of 19. 

For many, turning 18 does not bring independence and opportunity, but isolation and uncertainty. Without family support or disposable income, everyday experiences many young adults take for granted — going to the cinema, carving pumpkins with friends, or taking a short break away — are often out of reach. 

This case study highlights how a grant from the Surrey Care Leavers Fund to YMCA East Surrey helped change that reality. 

About the Project: YMCA East Surrey 

The funding supported 30 care-experienced young people aged 18–21 living in YMCA East Surrey supported accommodation. The grant enabled them to take part in a range of social, creative and wellbeing activities, including a residential trip, cinema visits, an escape room, pumpkin carving, and ongoing art and wellbeing sessions. 

Crucially, every activity was co-produced with the young people themselves through conversations with Youth Workers, Key Support Workers and resident meetings. Many residents are neurodiverse, so inclusivity and accessibility were central to planning — from choosing calm environments to keeping activities local and easy to reach. 

Building Confidence Through Shared Experiences 

The escape room proved particularly powerful for neurodiverse residents, allowing them to use problem-solving and teamwork skills in a supportive setting. Staff observed new friendships forming, stronger team bonds and a growing sense of confidence: 

“Really good to meet some of the other girls.”

“It was really good fun, better than I thought it would be!”

“I’m really good at this; I’m never good at anything.” 

“I really enjoyed it because of the tism.” *

(*this young person was referring to autism and her ability to work out puzzles and the enjoyment she gains from problem solving and organising)

Cinema trips offered something different — escapism, joy and connection. For some, it was their first experience of a musical: 

“I’ve never seen a musical before!” 

“I loved singing along, do I have a good voice?” 

One resident described feeling “relaxed and bonded as a group”.

A simple pumpkin carving activity gave another young person the confidence to keep coming back: 

“This is alright actually. I’ll come again!” 

Listening, Consistency and Long-Term Impact 

Feedback from residents shaped how the funding was used. Rather than short-term external art therapy sessions, young people asked for a longer-term, in-house art and wellbeing programme. Many care leavers have experienced repeated cycles of short-lived support, which can reinforce feelings of abandonment. 

In response, YMCA East Surrey developed ongoing art and wellness sessions led by their Engagement Wellbeing Co-ordinator, with resources available beyond sessions. This consistency helped young people feel listened to, respected and valued — something often missing from their earlier experiences. 

These sessions are both enjoyable and therapeutic, supporting recovery from trauma, encouraging self-expression and building coping skills. Art and mindfulness activities create space for conversations and emotional exploration that may never happen in formal, desk-based support sessions. 

A Chance to Get Away and Believe in the Future 

The residential trip to Fairthorne Manor gave young people a valuable chance to step away from daily pressures, enjoy nature and build confidence in a supportive environment. Through new activities and shared experiences, they gained wellbeing benefits while also developing key employability skills such as teamwork, communication and problem‑solving. 

By boosting confidence, stability and a sense of belonging, the grant helped care‑experienced young people feel deserving of joy and connection. This support not only strengthens their ability to stay in education, find work and build healthy relationships, but also creates a positive ripple effect across the wider Surrey community. 

Find out more about the Surrey Care Leavers Fund