Care Day 2024 by

Haven't finished yet but I know I've made it! - David G.

2023-02-08 14:27:25 UTC

Haven't finished yet, but know I've made it!

University was the last thing I imagined I'd do, even into my late twenties I imagined I would drift from job to job, chasing my dream of travelling the world but having it always just out of my reach.

My story of success comes from people loving me and caring enough to push me, even when I felt I was absolutely unworthy of rising above my circumstance, and even more unworthy of the faith they had bestowed upon me.

I chose to go to college in 2018, with no belief I could manage and now I am in position to see the end markers of the marathon that has been my undergraduate degree...I haven't finished yet but I know I will succeed.

This hasn't been easy and I wouldn't have made it alone, my greatest achievement to date is reaching this level of study and now having a very real dream of going further. But my biggest accomplishment has been the relationships I've built, over the years as a care experienced child into a care experienced adult, I have encountered hundreds of humans. Literal hundreds in my own little life, but out of all fo those, only a small handful have cared enough to push me past my own disbelief and have shown me what it is to be loved and experience true friendship.

They may not even know they've had this impact on me but these people have changed my life forever, I am eternally grateful that they have allowed me to walk a path of empowerment and leave behind my glass half empty lifestyle.

Keep being incredible my friends.

David Grimm.

Care experienced officer

Friend to many

Hopes to make a change for others

What a start

2023-02-09 19:23:35 UTC

I am a year one social work student at university and never imagined that me of all people would be here.

Being care experienced from the age of 8 and always being told that I would amount to nothing in life was something that has always stuck with me. When it came to applying for university and doing my UCAS application I was in two minds wither to do it or not. That is when my best friend's told me to go for it cause what did I have to loose, but there was always that what if I don't get in and feel like a failure due to this.

I look back at my time in care and when doing my personal statement for university I knew straight away I had to go for it and chase my dreams as after all social work has been my life for so many years. I sat for hours after hours thinking of what I could say and how to word it in a way that was personal and meaningful but getting the real true me out.

Fast forward a few months from my UCAS application being sent, I got confirmation I was in! I got my place in my undergraduate year 1 of Social Work. I was told from the start I was just another kid in care who would be another statistic in the way society looks at children in care, but I am not here I am working hard every day to help and break the stigma that is associated with LAAC and living proof that no matter the odd's that are against you there is always one in your favour.
I never imagined that little 8 year old girl in a residential children's home that I would now be a mum to 2 beautiful children, a fiance and a student social worker.
I promised myself that I will grab this opportunity with both hands and never take for granted the opportunities and life that I have now.

Nursing

2023-02-09 19:28:45 UTC

I am a mature student, who was in care on the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. I found that being in different care homes, and foster placements that I became almost transient going to different schools, so I got lost with trying to keep up with schoolwork and generally keeping on top of things Academic wise.

I ended up leaving school at 16 with no formal qualifications or experience, and attempted to find a job, but with the name of the care home on my address, I even found this difficult. After leaving care I ended up working in retail, but I found it so difficult to adapt, budget and live independently, as the skills taught to me in care were minimal, and I struggled quite substantially where I ended up experiencing poverty and homelessness. In my twenties I eventually got offered a flat and a job after experiencing three years of living in a homeless hostel and sleeping on the streets. I also found a job in retail, it was a good steady job, but I always thought I could aim better and gain a degree despite the odds stacked against me being care experienced.

I got support from an organisation called Future Pathways where I got assistance with my own mental well being, and I thought I would be good at looking after people with similar conditions, I applied in early 2021 to the Access to Nursing SWAP, and got offered a place. I also got a bursary for us care experienced which helped substantially within my studies,. I got offered a place at GCU last year for Nursing Studies Mental Health, which I am currently in my second trimester of my first year and doing extremely well. It has not been without its challenges, but the course has a big aspect of stress management and resilience, which I can utilise these skills into practice on placement.

I initially thought that being mature I would have zero chance in pursuing my dreams, and I have been extremely fortunate to gain government help towards my studies in the nurse and person I aspire to be. I have also met some amazing new friends and people who have supported me through this whole process, giving me the confidence to thrive.

Happy Care Day

jamesmoohan — 2023-02-17 11:29:18 UTC

I graduated with Honours from GCU and have since completed post-graduate study (achievements and experiences that will shape my future). The support I received had a significant bearing on my ability to succeed: the support meant that I didn't need to worry about where I would be staying or for how long... there's safety in knowing you can focus on what should be the hard bit (your studies) without always worrying about the walls falling down around you. Happy Care Day x

Care Day 2024

jamesmoohan — 2024-02-14 14:15:55 UTC

Currently completing my second year of social work degree at GCU, still on my journey, but I can see the finish line!

Growing up in care, I suffered from low confidence and self-belief, never thinking I would be studying at university. It took as long time to understand myself and see the value I have to help others. The support I have had at GCU has been a key part of my success. I left school without any qualifications, I went to college during the pandemic and somehow got onto the social work degree at GCU last year and it has been worth every sacrifice!

To anyone reading this who is care experienced and wants to study at university – go for it! There’s lots of support to help you along the way, speak to James at the uni and the academic and support staff who all want to help you

Happy Care Day xx