Care Day is the world’s biggest celebration of children and young people with care experience. This includes anyone who has ever lived with foster carers, kinship carers, or in children’s homes. At Middlesbrough College we believe these young people deserve to be recognised, supported and celebrated not only on Care Day but every day.
As part of Care Awareness Week, we invited students to share their experiences to help raise understanding and to encourage other young people who may be on a similar journey. One of those students is Cameron Moralee whose story reflects the impact a caring and supportive environment can have on a young person’s life.
Cameron remembers the moment he first arrived at his foster home and how overwhelming it felt to face everything new.
“Entering my Foster home was a challenging experience for me. New people, a new area, a new home. However, as soon as I entered those doors, I felt safe and comfortable. Believe it or not, I ate my first McDonald’s I could ever recall! Before then, there were biscuits and sweets in the fridge and school meals. My grades were poor, my health deteriorated, and my social and personal skills were underdeveloped. But a lot changed after the move!”
“The first few days were tough; I missed my old life, not knowing there were other ways to live it. On that first day, I was a bit under the weather, so they made me a hot chocolate, and that was when I knew things were about to change. From that moment on, I knew my life was different, and it was changing for the better!”
“The carers I lived with had looked after kids before from younger ages, and I always felt like I was part of their family. I experienced my first-ever full night’s sleep and actually had a proper breakfast before school! Within only a few weeks of living with my new family, I had excelled in everything that I felt I couldn’t do, thanks to their endless encouragement and support, including getting my homework done.”
He also found himself enjoying new experiences and opportunities that helped shape his confidence and outlook on life.
“To me, it felt like I now had a chance in life rather than living a poor, unhealthy one! As the experiences grew with holidays, picnics, and all sorts of fun activities that I would never have experienced before, getting nearly everything I asked for each day felt like home.”
“When I made mistakes, I always knew there would be consequences, a talk or warning, but I never felt like they would hate me for it; that was the love I felt in my home. I was always encouraged to join clubs and make friends, while being reminded that these years really matter! Building solid relationships with teachers, friends, and my family. I did my best! Even though I didn’t get the top grades, they were still so proud of me and even rewarded me for how far I had come!”
Now studying at Middlesbrough College, Cameron looks back on his years in care with gratitude and appreciation for the support he received.
“Looking back now, after I moved on in my college years, I realise that the life I had during my years in care was the best a child like me could have had in my situation. My only regret is that even though I wanted to say it, I never found the courage to call them my mum or dad, and I only hope they realise how much they changed my life and helped me understand what I want in life. Without them, I truly don’t know where I would be, but all I can say is I wouldn’t have a bright future.”
Cameron’s story is a reminder of the difference that care can make to a young person’s future. Middlesbrough College is incredibly proud of students like Cameron who show strength and determination every day. His journey will continue to inspire other young people with care experience to believe in their own potential and to know they are not alone within their experiences.