Rising as Me: Celebrating YPBMF Champions and Legends this National Care Leavers’ Month
This National Care Leavers Month, we celebrate the amazing YPBMF Champions & Legends — young people who turn challenges into triumphs and make our community a place where everyone belongs! This year, it’s all about rising above challenges, discovering who you are, and honouring how much you’ve grown. YPBMF Champions and Legends are proof that you can overcome, transform, and inspire others just by being yourself.
Champions and Legends tell us that YPBMF offers them…
…a supportive community and a sense of belonging
There’s something special about the way young people shape YPBMF into a true community. It’s not just about showing up — it’s about reaching out, making everyone feel welcome, and turning strangers into friends. Thanks to their kindness, energy, and willingness to listen, Champions and Legends have created a space where everyone feels safe to be themselves, share their stories, and lift each other up. Together, they’re breaking down barriers and proving that support and belonging changes lives for the better.
“It was honestly a brilliant time together with everyone! I can really see how much of a family we are and that brings me a sense of belonging and peace. I love everyone’s enthusiasm.” YPBMF Legend.
“The stigma is real, society can make us feel that it’s our fault, or that we are just another number – but that is wrong. It makes me think that maybe being care-experienced isn’t that bad when you are part of a community like NLCBF.” Darren, YPBMF Champion.
“My highlight has been seeing old and new YPBMF members together especially being able to bring the newer Champions into the family.” Aisha, YPBMF Sessional Worker.
…empowerment through sharing experiences and being heard
YPBMF’s honest sharing of their experiences is powerful and inspiring, making a real impact at our events. These sessions provide opportunities for young people to connect, reflect, and see that their voices matter—not just to each other, but to professionals and decision-makers as well. Professionals value and appreciate the practical tools and authentic insights YPBMF share at events, and their sessions are always described as a highlight of the day.
“I applied to be a Champion because my leaving care team wanted to support me to have a voice and change my perspective on things. I have learnt that people take away stuff to change the experience for new care leavers. It made me feel important and like I had a voice and there is new things to learn every day.” Danielle, YPBMF Champion.
“All the young people that spoke throughout the session in Leeds were amazing! Very inspiring, very informative, and useful. It’s hard to choose anyone in particular, they all do so well at your events. I love the truth and honesty about their personal experiences and wish I could bottle this up and share with my local authority.” PA Event attendee.
“I think it’s always inspiring to hear other champions and legends talk on stage and tell their stories.” Leo, YPBMF Legend.
…building skills, confidence, and a positive identity
Champions and Legends bring heaps of talent, energy, and passion to YPBMF! By jumping into all kinds of opportunities — like public speaking, networking, running events, writing reflective blogs, and sharing ideas — they discover what they’re good at and what inspires them. Along the way, they build real friendships, boost their confidence, and find a sense of belonging, all while having fun and growing together.
“Being a Champion has been a priceless opportunity for me to develop invaluable skills such as confidence, confidence to speak to people of authority which I had previously shied away from, confidence to speak in front of others and challenge things I disagree with, confidence to accept my care experience and feel a positive sense of belonging from it.” Imogen, YPBMF Champion.
“I have been able to grow my confidence which has made me feel capable of creating a positive impact for care experience.” Alani, YPBMF Champion.
“All the new champions are very passionate and well-informed young people. I’m happy to see how confident they were and that fact they knew what they wanted to improve in their local authorities.” Esla, YPBMF Legend.
“It was just amazing! I would say it feels good to push yourself outside of your comfort zone, and little by little you will get more confidence.” Tom, YPBMF Champion.
“It was useful to hear the views from other Champions; there were lots of similarities in our experiences but some things that were different as well. The panels are chaired by Legends and that is nice because they have sat where we’ve sat before.” Ezra, YPBMF Champion.
“I have learnt the importance of networking and advocating. Just from learning new information from others and taking it back to my county there are already things happening.” Angel, YPBMF Champion.
“I have learnt I can do difficult things even when they feel scary.” Rhyen, YPBMF Champion.
“It has given me a lot of confidence and helped me come out of my shell. As well as helped see the impact of my work.” Viki, YPBMF Champion.
Our YPBMF Champions and Legends are amazing. Their energy, honesty, and passion light up every event, and their voices spark real change for care-experienced youth everywhere. As we look ahead, let’s keep the momentum going: keep sharing your stories, supporting each other, and dreaming big. Together, we can break barriers and build even more opportunities for every young person to rise, shine, and shape the future.