As we welcome the second quarter of 2025 and step into Spring, we take a moment to reflect on some of the key moments that have shaped the start of our year. From building confidence through creativity to highlighting the importance of mental health, our work has remained committed to empowering care experienced young people.
Here is an overview of 2025 so far:
Confidence Through Creativity
Creativity is more than just an outlet, it’s a way of nurturing self confidence as well as developing communication and skill development. Through our Get Animated Workshop, young people have had the opportunity to explore animation and storytelling, giving them the tools to express themselves in new and exciting ways.
Creative programs like this are essential in supporting care experienced young people who can struggle with self expression, low confidence or uncertainty about their future. Research has shown that creative activities enhance problem solving skills, aid in boosting self esteem and help to provide a sense of achievement. By giving young people the chance to tell their stories through animation, we are helping them develop a stronger sense of identity and overall confidence.
With the continued advocacy from our supporters and thanks to National Lottery funding we look forward to expanding this programme and introducing even more young people to the transformative power of creativity.
Prioritising Mental Health
February highlighted the importance of mental health awareness through Time to Talk Day and Children’s Mental Health Week.
These campaigns encouraged young people to open up about their mental wellbeing and highlighted the need for accessible counselling services nationwide.
Many care experienced young people face unique mental health challenges, from anxiety and depression to feelings of isolation and self doubt. Without a strong support network, these struggles can soon become overwhelming. That’s why we are committed to providing mental health support through our free and subsidised counselling services, helping young people build resilience and seek the support they need.
Talking about mental health can be difficult, but starting the conversation is the first step toward healing.
As we move forward, we continue to push for greater awareness and access to support services for care experienced young people.
Finding Your Path
Entering the workforce can be daunting for any young person, but for care leavers, the challenges are often amplified. Without the traditional family and guidance that many peers receive, navigating job applications, interviews and locking in on a career can feel overwhelming.
That’s why career confidence and employability remain a core focus for our charity. Through mentoring, CV support and work placements, we aim to equip young people with the tools they need to succeed. National Careers Week in March is an excellent opportunity to reinforce the importance of work experience and career mentoring, ensuring that young people have access to the guidance and support they need to enter the workforce with confidence.
Every young person deserves the chance to find their passion and build a future on their own terms, that’s why we continue our commitment to helping them take those first steps.
Welcoming Our New Trustees
We are delighted to welcome Oluyemi Ekundayomi and Adenike Adebayo to the ASK PIP Board of Trustees. Their extensive experience and dedication to supporting vulnerable young people will be invaluable as we continue to grow and expand our impact.
Oluyemi Ekundayomi, with over 25 years of leadership experience in banking and finance, brings a strategic perspective on how to strengthen our programmes and provide further opportunities for young people. He is passionate about ensuring that care experienced young people receive the support and mentorship they need to thrive and just survive.
Adenike Adebayo, a registered NHS nurse with over 20 years of experience, has dedicated her life to caring for others. Having faced personal challenges, she is deeply committed to advocating for children in care and at risk young people, ensuring they have access to the opportunities they both need and deserve.
We are excited to have them on board and look forward to the positive impact they will bring to our work.
How to get involved and support our cause in 2025…
Supporting care experienced young people takes a community effort, and there are many ways to make a difference:
💙 Donate – Your contributions help us provide counselling, education and vocational support
💙 Fundraise – Organise a fundraiser to support our programmes
💙 Volunteer – Become a mentor or support our workshops
💙 Business Partnerships – Offer work placements or sponsorship opportunities to help young people gain real world experience
Your support ensures that every young person has the opportunity to create a brighter future.
The first quarter of 2025 has been a powerful start to the year and we are excited about what’s to come. From expanding our creative and career programmes to continuing our mental health advocacy, we continue our dedication to providing opportunity for change.
Together, we can create a world where care experienced young people feel empowered to control the direction of their future. Thank you for being part of this journey! 💙
