Video: Lauren's story - Care Review

Lauren is 27 and grew up in care. She’s kept in touch with a handful of people from her childhood and was closest to her foster parents. She moved into temporary accommodation when she first left their home and has only recently been given a flat of her own after years of moving around. She has struggled with alcohol and drugs, particularly when she is feeling down. Everything seemed ok when she first moved out and she felt like she had support. However, as the years have passed, the support seems to have gone away. Lauren wants what everyone else seems to have and doesn’t know why it feels so hard for her. She has turned increasingly to her foster carers. They’ve been a great support when they’ve been able but they’re not able to help Lauren as much as they would like. Lauren doesn’t go out very much now and doesn’t have many friends. She knows the situation is affecting her mental health but that feels like yet another thing she has no support to manage. She is still in touch with a former college lecturer who was great a few years ago. Lauren finds that even just chatting things through over a cuppa makes her feel better.

Lauren's story - Independent Care Review - YouTube