Co-Creating Meaningful Change with Care Leavers panel event

The Foundation for Future London hosted an important launch event for a new programme, Co-Creating Meaningful Change with Care Leavers, focused on East London’s care-experienced, led by and with young adults with lived experience.

The panel discussion was held on Tuesday, 17 June 2025 at Toynbee Hall, London.

The event was chaired by Baroness Lola Young, Co-Chair of Foundation for Future London and hosted by Tiwa King. Lead Community Ambassador of Foundation for Future London.

The panel included

• Denise Rawls, Executive Director, National Network for the Education of Care Leavers
• Laurelle Brown, award-winning strategist, JNC-qualified youth and community worker, and CEO of Laurelle Brown Training and Consultancy
• Daniella Adjemon, Co-Founder, Connecting Minds
• Clodagh Morgan, Founder, Raphael’s Room
• King Simpson, creative writer and social values campaigner

A discussion with the panel and invited guests filled the afternoon, with the room composed of individuals with lived experience, sector specialists and community-focused organisations. Various topics and provocations were discussed, including how to create supportive transitions for care leavers, promoting strong leadership and effective practices, exploring the role of cultural heritage and diversity and co-designing with lived experience.

As part of the event, guests were invited to leave a pledge on a card to share a commitment as a result of the event. These pledges have been made and will continue to inform future programmes, fundraising and topic discussions.

The event aimed to amplify community and organisational voices, celebrate best practices and diverse perspectives, and provide an opportunity for the community to come together to connect, collaborate and co-create.

Sarah Nelson, CEO Foundation for future London, says:

“Amidst a background of cuts to young people services and social care, it’s vital that the Foundation for Future London continues to champion and advocate for East London’s care leavers and care experienced. Our programme aims to provide a platform for young people’s voices and help foster equity and agency, to ensure that life chances and talent is nurtured for one of the most vulnerable communities.”

Photo and video credit: Anne-Marie Michel