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For lots of us, Christmas represents warmth, comfort, love and family. But for young people leaving the care system (at the ridiculously young age of 16), the festive season can feel lonely and uncertain. Across the UK, over 50,000 care leavers (aged 17-21) step into adulthood every year, without the safetynet most young people rely on and take for granted. Turning 16 can feel like falling off a cliff - the support they once depended on suddenly disappears.
In Kirklees specifically, the local Care Leavers Service relies on inspirational partners like Northorpe Hall Child and Family Trust (who have been working in the most innovative ways with children, young people, and families for over 60 years), to support around 350 careleavers at any one time. Many live independently or in semi-independent accommodation without any family to fall back on. For them, Christmas can be a stark reminder of what they don’t have - making even the smallest act of kindness feel huge.
To highlight how vital this support is, a friend of the Mirfield-based charity who grew up in the care system has shared their story - shining a light on the harsh reality of leaving care in the 21st century.
From a young age, they faced immense challenges: moving between foster homes, being separated from siblings, and experiencing neglect.
“I didn’t have anything growing up and was put into foster care when I was about eight. There was no dad in our life, my mum was unwell and there were no family members to take us. I had brothers and sisters, but we were all separated, and I was quite neglected, physically and mentally.
“Care leavers often need education and mental health support earlier in schools. If they don’t have support, they won’t recover. It just escalates. It’s so important for them to know: We can’t change the past, but we can change the future.”
In response to this and many similar stories that the charity is aware of, Northorpe Hall Child and Family Trust is marking the 10th year of its Christmas Appeal by placing care leavers front-and-centre; creating Holiday Hampers filled with thoughtful, comforting items for those spending their first Christmas on their own.
Chief Executive Officer, Dipika Kaushal, explains: “At Northorpe Hall, we meet incredible young people who have faced more in their early years than most of us will in a lifetime. They are resilient and determined — but that doesn’t mean they don’t feel loneliness or uncertainty, especially during the holidays.
"With the generous support of our local community, we will be putting together Holiday Hampers for care leavers spending their first Christmas on their own.”
Northorpe Hall is inviting people across Kirklees (and beyond) to donate much-needed items for these very special hampers. Donations can be dropped off at Northorpe Hall, Mirfield (WF14 0QL), from 1st to 5th December.
Items requested include:
- Comforting treats
- Toiletries
- Cosy socks, gloves, hats
- Chocolates and sweets
- Hot chocolate and marshmallows
- Biscuits
- Self-care items
- Small, thoughtful gifts
These hampers aim to send one clear message: “You matter - and you’re not forgotten.”
For more information on the appeal and the work of the charity, please CLICK HERE
