Let us tell you about Lauren…

Lauren is an Oxfordshire Care Leaver - and she is awesome!

Lauren is a qualified Youth Worker and Social Worker.  Lauren's mother died when she was 10 years old resulting in her and her brother coming into care. Prior to her death, Lauren’s mother launched a public campaign to find the ideal family to raise her children. Hundreds of people were interviewed until the perfect family came along.

Lauren feels that it was a big ask of her new family to take her and her brother on (especially as she says that she could be difficult) but Lauren is extremely thankful that her foster mother never gave up on them.

Her message to others:

"You can do and achieve a lot in life being in care.  Don’t let your past define your future"

About Laurens book cover:

Lauren is described as colourful, cheerful, passionate, and sensitive by those who know her. Her personality lends itself to being represented on a book cover that has an Andy Warhol pop art style about it. Lauren has included faint background photos of herself with her sibling as they were able to live together in their new family and remain a massive support to each other.

Have you met Alidja?

Alidja is an Oxfordshire Care Leaver - and she is extraordinary!

Alidja is a wonderful Youth Worker, Dance Teacher, dedicated Social Worker, serial fundraiser, loving wife, and amazing mother.

Alidja came into care of Oxfordshire County Council when she was 15yrs old. After a rocky start, with the support of her Foster Carers, Leaving Care Personal Adviser and Church Pastor, Alidja grew into an inspirational woman. In addition to everything else, she purchased her own home and ran the London Marathon!

Alidja does not believe in standing still and encourages everyone to believe in themselves and to give things a try. The key to her success was having people around her who believed in her.

Her message to others:

"Believe in yourself, nothing is impossible: just give it a try! You can do it!! We all can!!"

About Alidja's book cover:

Alidja has non-stop energy and determination. She is a strong woman who is all about striving to be the best. She is Superwoman! This photo shows her in her celebrating success and offering a challenge to others. Her favourite colours are pink and orange.

May we introduce you to Taghi?

Taghi is an Oxfordshire Care Leaver - and he is amazing!

Taghi is a qualified self-employed bricklayer.

Taghi is a young man who had an ongoing series of extreme ups and downs in his life. Taghi was separated from his family before he arrived in the UK and has spent many years living with lots of uncertainty.

His former Leaving Cre Personal Adviser describes Taghi as a talented young man who is more mentally strong than he will ever realise. Despite the challenges he has faced he has never once become angry and has instead focused on overcoming the barriers in front of him.

Taghi is thankful to his leaving care worker and manger for being willing to keep helping him especially as he got older and needed a new start.

His message to others:

"Be patient and stay strong"

About Taghi's book cover:

Taghi enjoys crime dramas, and his favourite movie is American Gangster, therefore, we went for a black-and-white theme. The flowers symbolise the sensitive and appreciative Taghi.

 Taghi became a bricklayer which seemed an appropriate backdrop to hold his image. Taghi’s life story is a series of difficult and often traumatic events which each brick may represent. Between each brick is cement/mortar which may represent resilience. This combination of bricks and mortar has eventually built over time into a strong wall, which is a true reflection of Taghi and represents his message to others well - be patient and stay strong.

Let us introduce you to Chantelle…

Chantelle is an Oxfordshire Care Leaver - and she is exceptional!

Chantelle completed an Administration Apprenticeship, HR qualification, and played a large part in the formation of the Oxfordshire Care Leavers Association.

Chantelle is extremely hardworking and driven. Chantelle was in care from the age of 13 and pushed herself to keep on achieving great things, especially in education and employment. Chantelle has completed a business administration apprenticeship as well as completing the CIPD. She is a HR adviser who currently works in Westminster. She is the Director of OCLA, set up to support other care leavers in Oxfordshire.

Her message to others:

“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be”

About Chantelle's book cover:

Chantelle has fire and lightning determination. She is passionate about challenging stigmas and not becoming a number in statistics.

Do you know Aaron?

Aaron is an Oxfordshire Care Leaver - and he is inspirational!

Aaron was a Chair of the Children In Care Council, Ambassador for Children with Autism, National Youth On board Award winner, full time student and previously, the North Oxfordshire Member of UK Youth Parliament.

Aaron was in foster care since the age of 12. He will tell you that it was not always smooth "It started badly as I used to be violent and was excluded from school"

What made the difference for Aaron was having “selfless people in his life who listened, had faith and stuck by him”. He speaks highly of one of his social workers and really valued his head teacher’s approach to his difficulties, as he would ask Aaron 'What happened and how can we resolve it?'

"I would probably be in prison or not in this world if I wasn't in the care system. I am definitely more confident since I went into care because of the relationship with my mum & dad. If it wasn't for meeting them through being in care, I wouldn't be a junior politician".

His message to others:

"Stick to your life goals. You will find them when you stay in care"

About Aaron's book cover:

Aaron spent many hours attending parliament and advocating for the views of others in an attempt to improve services for children. Aaron was in Westminster several times and is a powerful figure, which is why he is being depicted as a giant presenting his views in parliament.

Introducing Julius!

Julius is an Oxfordshire Care Leaver - and he is truly talented!

Julius is a freelance artist and co-creator of the positive stories project.  

Julius completed his studies with first-class honours in his arts degree at Northampton University.  He is a very talented footballer and very nearly made it as a professional player.

He can be described by others as shy, modest and engaging. Julius spent the summer working for ArkT creative programs helping children gain confidence and connections through art-based play. He also spent time in America working in summer camps.

Julius will tell you that having an open mind and taking any positive opportunities that presented themselves is what helped him get where he is today.

His message to others:

“Just be yourself!”

About Julius’ book cover:

Julius is an advocate of children being encouraged to have a strong sense of identity. He has chosen an eagle as a powerful bird that symbolises his inner strength.

You might have met Charis before?...

Charis is an Oxfordshire Care Leaver - and she is remarkable!

Charis is a member of Oxfordshire Care Leavers Association, former chair of the Children in Care Council, National Youth On Board Award winner, serial fundraiser, and has worked within our REOC service.

Charis is described as an inspiration, always trying to better herself, admirable and determined. Charis came into care when she was 12 years old. She is thankful for support with education and the experiences that have enabled the development of forever friendships. 

Her message to others:

“YOU ARE STRONG! Be proud of yourself and you will accomplish all you set out to achieve”

About Charis’ book cover:

Charis is kind, gentle and sensitive. She likes nature and chose a tree to reflect her message of strength and growth. She chose a photograph from her wedding day to represent where she is now in her life.