Care leavers discussed who they trust for guidance. Houseparents, care staff, and older children were most mentioned. This session highlighted the importance of support networks, fostering hope and empowering participants to achieve their goals
Explore a growing archive of monthly conversations, shared reflections, and session highlights from care leavers across the world.
Filter the archive by year to revisit key themes, ideas, and shared learning from each season of the Virtual Care Leavers Cafe.
Care leavers discussed who they trust for guidance. Houseparents, care staff, and older children were most mentioned. This session highlighted the importance of support networks, fostering hope and empowering participants to achieve their goals
Care Leavers' Cafe focused on "Resolution Revolution," setting achievable goals. Practical tools and shared experiences helped boost motivation and confidence for the new year, turning aspirations into reality
The session started with introductions and a mentimeter poll on how carers helped create memories. Ms. Tanja, a care leaver from Germany, shared her experience and tips. Breakout rooms allowed participants to discuss their own memories and access challenges. The session ended with advocacy recommendations and a positive note of shared experiences and gratitude
Care leavers Surja and Rakesh shared their experiences and takeaways from the BICON conference. Rakesh, representing disabled care leavers, emphasized family's importance. The session ended with a positive response, with participants eager to continue next month for wider participation and BICON awareness
Care leaver leader Jeffreys Chasi opened the session with introductions and his own journey. Participants shared experiences, highlighting the power of understanding and support during challenging times
Ms. Pooja, a Chevening scholar at SOAS London, shared her journey through the scholarship selection process. Her presentation outlined the application steps and offered support to those interested in applying for the Chevening Scholarship
The care leavers' cafe kicked off with a fun icebreaker! Participants introduced themselves with a fun fact and nominated others to do the same. Then Aditya presented on the unique pandemic experiences of care leavers in his area, followed by a group discussion. The session wrapped up with a brief recap of the key points.
A film on care leaving was screened, followed by a discussion. Participants shared their thoughts on the film and the importance of connections for care leavers. They likely explored how connections can empower and support care leavers
The cafe discussed network registration, pros & cons, and its link to funding. They then shared GNG's structure and invited participants to share theirs. Finally, the conversation focused on network sustainability through individual efforts, clear goals, and motivated members. The session ended with a Fest 2022 outcomes presentation
The Care Leavers Cafe discussed safe storytelling. Care leavers from 5 countries shared experiences of remembering their time in care. After a presentation, breakout rooms allowed for deeper conversation on memories and life experiences
We explored an exchange forum for care leavers, aiming for professional growth and support. Sharing experiences, skills, and opportunities was key. Challenges included participation, language barriers, and dependency. Despite these, enthusiasm for learning and connection prevailed
A session discussed Sri Lanka's economic crisis impacting care leavers. Nimmali shared how care institutions lack basic supplies and many lost jobs. Wasanthi, a care leaver, described struggling to run her salon. A teacher highlighted challenges in online learning due to the crisis. The discussion explored ways to support Sri Lankan care leavers.
May's Care Leavers' cafe addressed emotional well-being. Psychosocial support is crucial for care leavers, but often overlooked. The session highlighted the need to prioritize emotional needs alongside practical support, fostering safe spaces for peer and expert help
sharing experiences around vision on care leavers networks
BICON Conference Outcome
Well being, Care and identity modification in Higher Education
Presentation on Care Leavers Network and Goonj Band
This cafe discussed media advocacy. Care leavers shared experiences and strategies for safe media engagement to raise their voices and visibility. The session also offered a safe space for peer-to-peer connection. Attendees from several countries participated and shared updates on care leaver initiatives
A care leavers' Cafe discussed you and me concept for media engagement. Nimali, a care leaver, highlighted the benefits of media presence for advocacy and connection. The group stressed responsible platform use and the importance of safe spaces for sharing stories and building community.
This session explored safe social media use for care leavers. It discussed both benefits (connection, opportunity) and risks (discrimination, lack of knowledge). Care leavers have a responsibility to use it positively and advocate for responsible social media practices, including improved cyber security awareness
This workshop brought together care leavers from diverse backgrounds to explore advocacy. Through presentations and interviews with local leaders, participants learned the importance of advocacy and practical skills to make their voices heard. Additionally, a dedicated space for reflection helped them identify their strengths and use them to become effective advocates
Our virtual session explored fostering healthy relationships among care leavers. We discussed supporting each other within the community and building connections with external supporters. This included navigating online platforms like the Global Care Leavers' Community website
Our virtual session explored fostering healthy relationships among care leavers. We discussed supporting each other within the community and building connections with external supporters. This included navigating online platforms like the Global Care Leavers' Community websit
A session explored safe storytelling for care leavers. Sharing can be risky - consider your audience and purpose. Consent is ongoing, not a one-time thing. Financial incentives need caution. Storytelling can empower or exploit. Prepare for impact - it can be overwhelming
Explored the Global Care Leavers' Community website (https://careleaverscommunity.org/). Brainstormed engaging topics for the "Global Care Leavers Cafe" online meetings. Discussed launching a dedicated YouTube channel for the community.
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