The Young Lives Foundation is an award-winning independent children’s charity based in Kent, established in 2007. It supports vulnerable and disadvantaged young people, including children in care, care leavers and young people at risk of exclusion, through advocacy, mentoring and befriending. Its independent advocates make sure children in care understand their rights and are heard in decisions about their placements, education and care planning, while trained volunteer mentors help build trust, confidence and resilience. Its Futures Care Leavers Programme supports the move into independent adulthood with one-to-one mentoring, employability and life-skills. Working across Kent and Medway, it plays a vital role for children in care and care leavers.