Care leavers' stories

Rilwan's story

Rilwan is 19 years old. Like many young people his age, he is just starting to experience independence and beginning to make his way in the world. He’s just completed NVQ level 3s at college and is now applying for engineering courses at university. He recently won a Southwark Council  "Volunteer of the Year" award for coaching children's football.

Things could have been very different for him though. Two years ago he was homeless after the breakdown of the relationship with his family. He was unable to attend college because of this and couldn’t see a positive future.

Because he was under 18 at the time, he was taken into care. Rilwan says it was this that gave him the chance to get back on his feet and back to college.

"My foster carer took time to help me. It was a great home where I felt comfortable and could do college work. She taught me so much – how to cook and basic housekeeping. I’m really grateful to her – it means that I can live independently now.

Without that time of foster care, I would have really struggled to pick myself up. I live in a flat now, on my own and I’m doing alright."

Page last updated: 30 June 2022