Rebuilding what the system broke

It’s every child’s birthright to grow up in a loving, secure home.

Every child deserves to belong, to feel valued and to have their voice heard. No child should feel abandoned or neglected.

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Registered charity in England & Wales

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No. 1207064

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Founded by Fatima Whitbread MBE

The people behind it

Who's behind the campaign

Together we are creating a care system where every child feels safe, valued and able to thrive.

Fatima spent the first 14 years of her life in the care system before being fostered and adopted by her coach, Margaret Whitbread. She went on to break the world javelin record and win World and European titles. Drawing on her lived experience, she founded Fatima's UK Campaign to champion the nurturing support, stability and opportunities every child in care deserves, helping them build a brighter future.

Gina brings more than four decades of experience, including over 20 years leading an award-winning school and since 2005 developing leaders at every level. She empowers individuals, teams, and organisations to lead with integrity, compassion, and courage.

Together, they're working to change how the system treats every child who passes through it.

More about us

Why we exist

For too long, the UK care system has failed too many children and young people.

Many leave care without the support, stability or hope they need to build a secure future. They face homelessness, mental health crises and unemployment, often because the people and services around them fell short when they needed them most. Every young person deserves the chance to feel safe, supported and hopeful about what lies ahead.

This is not an easy challenge to solve, but young people cannot wait. Lived experience has shown us what that costs. Fatima's UK Campaign is bringing people together to turn that experience into practical action and better opportunities for children in care and care leavers.

“No more excuses. No more waiting. Young people need action now. Together, let’s change the story for those growing up in care.”

The scale of the challenge

0 K+

children in the UK care system today

1 in 3

care leavers face homelessness within two years

0 %

of care leavers are not in education, work or training

0 %

of children in care for over 12 months achieve a grade 4+ in English and maths at GCSE

Better Futures, Built Together

Our Action Hubs bring communities, carers, employers and decision-makers together to create real opportunities for young people.

  • Health & Wellbeing, Housing, SEND

FitzRoy

FitzRoy is a national charity supporting people with some of the most complex learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs, across more than 100 specialist homes and community centres in England. It believes everyone deserves the chance to live the life they choose, in a real home and as part of their community. What makes FitzRoy special is its people, who take the time to know every person they support, their strengths, ambitions and routines, and shape bespoke support around them. The charity began more than 65 years ago when Elizabeth FitzRoy wanted something better for her son than institutional care. From its Assistive Technology Library to its work preventing the cuckooing of vulnerable people, it keeps finding new ways to help people live richer, more independent lives.

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  • Education, Financial Capability

The Share Foundation

The Share Foundation runs the Junior ISA and Child Trust Fund schemes for children in care across the whole UK, on behalf of the Department for Education. It opens accounts with an initial £200 government contribution, raises further voluntary contributions, and provides financial education so young people are ready to use the funds when their account matures at 18. Its incentivised programmes are built for care-experienced young people: Stepladder Plus, a six-step online course for 15 to 17 year olds, and Stepping Forward, an introduction to the performing arts. Rewards for completing each stage are paid straight into savings, so young people earn as they learn and leave care with more behind them.

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  • Arts

JAM Performing Arts

Founded in 2000, JAM Performing Arts has built a stellar reputation for nurturing young people through dance and performance, supporting every student from first steps at age two to a professional career. Through expertly designed classes, dedicated teachers and a warm environment, students gain far more than technique: confidence, resilience and life skills. Known to students and families as the JAM Family, it knows every young person personally and tailors their progress to their own effort, growth and maturity. With a proven track record of students moving into performing arts careers and leading dance schools, JAM is a community where creativity flourishes and confidence grows.

  • Arts, Mentoring & Advocacy, Sport & Activity

ATF

Since 2012, ATF has worked with communities and young people at risk of exclusion, creating safe spaces, opportunity and wellbeing. Using sport, art, heritage and culture, it builds a sense of togetherness and has driven down anti-social behaviour in the areas it serves. Its place-based approach follows asset-based community development principles, running Discovery Days that put local people in the lead and reach the neighbourhoods and cohorts most often overlooked. Working alongside residents, schools, councils, the Probation Service and housing associations, ATF supports young people from age 5 to 24, and its work reclaiming spaces such as Northlands Park shows what communities can achieve when they lead.

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View all our hubs

One Voice Summit

Shaping Solutions Together

Delegates, contributors and exhibitors came together to share their experiences, look ahead and find practical solutions to improve outcomes for children and young people in care.

The Summit focused on what needs to happen next, and how we can make it happen together. Explore the sessions and read the draft white paper to see the ideas and solutions that came out of it.

Watch the sessions

News

What we're working on

All news

Join us in creating a care system which works for every child.

Join the partnership and help us deliver what every child and young person deserves: A loving, caring and secure home.

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Learn our story