Community

In such an uncertain time it is very important to keep a sense of community, not only to provide some social contact for those in isolation but also to help build a more connected future, for when this is all over.

This page is here to showcase any care-leavers achievements, writing or art and will be regularly updated with incoming pieces. We are always looking for new additions, so if you feel you have something worth sharing then please contact us following the application form.

Care-leavers community updates

IMO

IMO was created by the Children’s Commissioner for England in collaboration with an advisory network of teens with care experience.

It is a great platform to share your experiences and get advice! They also share opportunities for care leavers, like jobs and apprenticeships, and give away loads of free stuff!

Find out more by Clicking Here

IMO Podcast: Open and honest conversations with care leavers - GO

The Care Leavers Association

The Care Leavers Association is a great company offering useful resources support to care-leavers.

Their new project, Care Leavers Connect offers an easy platform to find people you were in care with or other care-leavers you would like to connect with.

Find all the details by Clicking Here

If you are struggling at all please contact the REES foundation on 0330 094 5645, all our helpline details can be found on our Helplines page

Helpful Nature apps

Go Jauntly: Discover walks
A free app to help people discover new walking routes, connect with nature and enjoy outdoor adventures. Nature Notes encourages you to note down the “good things” in everyday urban nature helping to play a role in self-management of mental health and wellbeing.
To download the Go Jauntly app Click Here

Urban Mind
Urban mind is a great app to see first hand how nature effects your mental wellbeing, this data will also be used to help generate a greater understanding of the effects of nature on mental health which could lead to changes in your area.
To download the UrbanMind app Click Here

SuperBetter
SuperBetter builds resilience - the ability to stay strong, motivated and optimistic even in the face of change and difficult challenges. Playing SuperBetter unlocks heroic potential to overcome tough situations and achieve goals that matter most.
To download the SuperBetter app Click Here

All Trails
AllTrails is your guide to the outdoors! Discover the best hiking, running, and biking trails around the world.
To download the AllTrails app Click Here

Good Reads & videos

Reading
Free boredom busting resources GO

How trees communicate GO

What 20 minutes in the outdoors can do GO

The Future of Counselling Outdoors GO

Videos
The healing power of nature GO

Tedx: Contact with nature GO

Natural Geographic: Your brain on nature GO

Stories by care-leavers

Terry Birkett: Coping with mental health when isolating alone GO

Leicester care-leavers lockdown video GO

Poems

Week Six
by Hannah Connolly

I suppose it took a global pandemic for
me to realise
just how much I have always loved
the smell of wisteria.
Watching clouds drift
from windows,
rooftop bus rides to nowhere and
sipping rosé in beer gardens,
playing at sophistication and world-weariness.

I suppose it took a global pandemic for
me to notice
just how much I have always hated
the sound of early morning alarms.
Chaotic nights out with people I hardly know,
fuelled by fomo and fear.
Sitting frustrated
in smoky traffic jams,
long train rides home without a buffet cart.

It seems it only took the whole world to stop whirring for
me to feel the wild warmth of
wasting time with people
who make you feel safe.
Even if it is on Zoom.