Teenager’s story helping to recruit more carers in city

THE experiences of a Bradford teenager who was removed from the care of her parents at the age of eight are helping recruit a new generation of carers in Bradford.

Charlotte, now 18, was taken in by an aunt and uncle after a year in foster care but the relationship with her aunt became so strained in her teenage years it appeared she would be placed with a new set of foster parents.

Thankfully a project run by charity Action for Children and Bradford Council ensured the bright and outgoing teenager wasn’t faced with more upheaval as she turned 16.

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Stepping Stones, which provides young people who have been in the care system with safe and supportive accommodation, matched Charlotte with Lynne Hindley, who has been offering guidance and a home to teenagers for two years.

The project works with young people between 16 to 25 and puts them in the care of trained carers who supply accommodation and vital support.

Charlotte said: “Independence was exactly what I was craving but I wasn’t ready for my own place – I might have thought I could manage but I know now that there’s no way I would have known how to cope on my own.

“I’ve just started a new job and everything is going so well – and this is all down to the support and guidance I received after being placed with Lynne by Stepping Stones.”

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Now Action for Children has launched a campaign to find more carers who can help dozens of teenagers in foster care across Bradford. Anyone can apply to be a carer and an allowance is available to cover costs.

Charlotte is preparing to move into a place of her own with her partner of three years – but she will always have good memories of her time with Lynne and plans to stay in touch.

The teenager added: “I know my time with Lynne has been a milestone in my life. She has been both a mentor and a friend and has helped me become much more confident. I have been given the freedom to make my own choices – and I’ve started a career I never dreamed I would have. I have also gained an extended family.”

Action for Children’s Kath Copley, who is based in Halifax, said: “We want to offer this vital service to as many young people leaving care as we can because we know it really helps. People from Bradford are caring and generous so I’m confident there will be a good response to this appeal for more carers.”

Call Kath Copley on 07904 105930.