Teenagers asked what care means to them in campaign survey

The #KeepCaringto18 campaign supports a ban on the use of independent and semi-independent accommodation, including flats, bedsits, hostels, and shared houses, without care, for children aged 16 and over. 

Such provision was banned for under 16s last year.

• Analysis: Put end to unregulated provision for under-18s, urge campaigners

• Making the case for care until 18

The campaign has launched a survey aimed at all 16- and 17-year-olds, regardless of whether they have experience of care, to find out their views on the importance of support such as “someone to go to parents/carers’ evenings at school or college”, “having someone available during the night if you are poorly or need some other help” and “having someone who celebrates your birthdays”.

Bekah Pierre, a care-experienced campaigner who lived in unregulated accommodation as a teenager, addressed teenagers directly saying: “This generation of 16- and 17-year-olds are a mighty force for change - your compassion, political knowledge and sense of justice far outweighs that of those in parliament. We need you more than ever. 

“A little over 10 years ago, I was a vulnerable young person with significant mental health needs, living in a hostel with on/off access to food, electricity, and no one to come home to at the end of the day. I felt unseen, unheard, and desperately unsafe living with former adult prisoners. This dire state of affairs continues today and is worse than ever - by spending 10 minutes on this survey,  you can be the voice your peers need to end this disgrace.”

Carolyne Willow, director of Article 39, who is part of the #KeepCaringto18 campaign, added: “33 years ago the United Nations agreed the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which gives every child the right to be safe, heard, and respected and to have their needs met throughout their childhood. 

“We know that children and young people are massively committed to fairness and to everyone having their fundamental rights respected. We’re counting on 16- and 17-year-olds everywhere to join this action. We need your voices, energy and compassion to make government listen.”

The campaign comes after a delegation of care-experienced people handed in a petition at Downing Street, earlier this year, signed by more than 10,800 care-experienced people, social workers, academics, sector professionals, and members of the public, calling for the ban on the use of supported accommodation to be extended to all young people.