Growing up in the care system in the UK, I was always dimly aware of a vague expectation of failure. People around me – including some teachers and those working in social services – were always sort of surprised that I was doing quite well at school, that I was well-adjusted and ambitious. I owe […]
As a child I remember the countdown to Christmas beginning in school, and everyone getting excited for the holidays, whilst I just felt pure dread. I hated Christmas as it was the time that I had to spend with my family whether I liked it or not. Usually I would spend all of the time […]
In this episode of the IMO podcast we chat to three care leavers about the upcoming festive season, and what this time of the year is like for them. Elle, Jojo and David discuss dealing with Christmas wobbles and feelings of grief and loss, and they share their advice on how to navigate what can […]
Today we’re bringing you a mini episode of the IMO podcast because we are celebrating – we’ve won GOLD at the European Lovie Awards for best interview/talk show podcast. The Lovie Awards honour the best and brightest of the European internet, and we are thrilled to win this award. We couldn’t let this […]
The IMO Podcast is a series of open and honest conversations with care leavers that gives a voice to the diverse experiences that make up the care population. Each episode we invite someone who’s been in care to talk about anything they like. It’s an opportunity to hear the voices of people who often don’t get […]
We’ve created #CEP, a monthly spotlight on care experienced people and their careers. Throughout the coming months we’ll be platforming people with care experience and the brilliant careers they’ve created for themselves, and sharing their career advice to inspire the next generation of care leavers. First up, meet Meera, a care-experienced Associate Director at […]
This blog was written by Steven, a care-experienced social worker and IMO contributor. For more insights into social work and the care system, follow Steven on Twitter. I’ve been involved with social workers since the day I was born. I first started to think about pursuing a career in social work whilst studying my undergraduate […]
Blogger, YouTuber and care leaver Jojo shares his experience of getting the keys to his own place and living independently at 16. In this video, he shares his top tips for moving out and attending college, including how to combat loneliness, where to access support, and how to plan ahead for your dream job. Follow […]
In this video, care leaver and foster care advocate Sophia watches the 2004 CBBC film, ‘Tracy Beaker: The Movie of Me’ for the first time, and asks the question, “Just how accurate is this”? Follow Sophia on Twitter @sophiahallsax.
Freya spent her teenage years moving around the care system. In this video, she answers your questions about her life in care open and honestly. She tells us about her experience of the fostering system, and ‘spills the tea’ on the pros and cons of being in care as a teenager.
Taking control of the narrative with my debut novel Careless
The IMO podcast, series 2 episode 6: Jojo’s story
Career-experienced people: meet Jamie, a care-experienced Executive at Rolls-Royce
Giving care leavers a Christmas Day they’ll never forget
Behind the glittering bows: creating new traditions at Christmas
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