BASW Supports National Care Leavers’ Month

28 November 2025

poem

The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) stands in solidarity with care experienced people and continues to speak out in support of care leavers’ rights. Their National Care Leavers’ Month celebrates care experienced people of diverse backgrounds and everything they contribute to society.

You can find some key resources, campaigns, and educational materials on their website: https://new.basw.co.uk/articles/basw-supports-national-care-leavers-month

Graham Price, Director at Shaping Our Lives and member of BASW’s Expert by Experience Forum, has written the following poem for National Care Leavers’ Month.

Changing Places

1940 housed me differently,

To that most kids would feel fine,

Abandoned and suckled at infancy,

In a 100 bed institution rife at the time.

Love down the drain but care on tap,

Education left to falter by indifference,

the resilience fostered providing the sap,

To grow the resourcefulness that made the difference.

Life’s not fair we know,

Whatever, strengths, alive in us all,

Can be built on to allow the happiness to grow,

We owe to ourselves and to those on whom we call.