The COVID-19 crisis hit Barnardo’s hard. Several care leavers had limited support from family, had no family, or lacked an extended social group. For many vulnerable young people, Barnardo’s was their only source of support. Barnardo’s had unfortunately seen hospital admissions in young people due to severe mental health issues. Several care leavers had also lost employment due to business’s closing and contract terminations, which meant they faced a further risk of financial hardship.
LandAid’s £10,000 grant provided food vouchers for care leavers who previously relied on food banks, money for rent and utilities, data packages (such as access to Netflix) and transport costs.