At stayingclose.co.uk, we’re always inspired by care-experienced young people who channel their own journeys into creating positive change for others. Today, we want to shine a spotlight on Chloe, a care leaver from Leeds, who is doing just that with her brilliant initiative, ‘homelesstohomeLeeds‘.
Recognising a significant and long-standing gap in the support available for young people transitioning from care into independent living, Chloe has taken matters into her own hands. She has started a workshop designed to equip care leavers with the essential skills and confidence they need as they navigate setting up their first homes.
A vital element of Chloe’s project is providing tangible support in the form of care packages. These packages are filled with essential items to help young people get started when they receive the keys to their first place. As Chloe explains, it costs “£12 roughly per care package. Includes of basic cleaning products, hygiene and some self care to keep busy!”
Chloe’s project has gained wonderful momentum, particularly through her TikTok account, @homelesstohomeLeeds, where she shares updates and connects with a growing community of supporters. The idea for a dedicated fundraising campaign came directly from the encouraging response she received online. As Chloe shared on her JustGiving page:
“Thankyou for all your kind words and advice! I am so overwhelmed with how big my page has got over the past 24hours! With the suggestions of setting up a go fund me here we are! Anything is appreciated to help give every care leaver a care package at the end of every workshop💙- this amount can help get 100 care leavers a care package at the end of my workshop! I have uploaded a video of what this includes. Thankyou all again🙏💙”
Chloe has set a fundraising target of £1,200. Achieving this goal will allow her to provide 100 care leavers with these crucial care packages as they complete her workshop, helping them feel more settled and supported from day one in their new homes. Alongside financial donations, Chloe’s followers also suggested creating an Amazon Wishlist, which she has set up as the “homeless to home gift page”, offering another way for people to contribute specific items directly to the care packages.
Chloe’s vision extends beyond just providing physical items; she’s also passionate about building a community and advocating for systemic change. Her call to action is clear:
“LETS TALK HOMELESSTOHOME💙 Let’s get talking! Any advice, any information is helpful! Let’s change the system together”
This highlights her commitment to not only providing immediate support but also sparking conversations and collaborations to improve the care system for future generations.
How You Can Help:
If you’re inspired by Chloe’s dedication and want to support care leavers in Leeds as they embark on their journey to independence, here’s how you can get involved:
- Donate: Visit Chloe’s JustGiving page Click Here to contribute towards her £1,200 goal. As she says, “Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure.”
- Buy a Gift: Check out the Amazon Wishlist, the “homeless to home gift page” Click Here, to purchase essential items directly for the care packages.
- Share Your Knowledge: If you have advice, information, or resources that could benefit Chloe’s workshops or the young people she supports, reach out!
- Follow & Share: Find @homelesstohomeLeeds on TikTok and follow her journey. Sharing her content is a great way to help raise awareness and reach more potential supporters.
Chloe’s ‘homelesstohomeLeeds’ project is a powerful example of how the voice and experience of a care leaver can drive meaningful support and change within the community. Let’s help her reach her goal and make a real difference in the lives of young people leaving care in Leeds.