In collaboration with Become and Amplify Us, this episode dives into the real experiences of young people leaving the care system—and what needs to change to support them better.

Hosts Humerah and Roselyn are joined by fellow campaigners Georgia, G, Kane & Charlotte, who share powerful stories of navigating housing insecurity, pursuing education, and facing systemic barriers—all while advocating for a more supportive transition out of care.

We also hear from Jo Petty, Campaigns and Participation Manager at Become, who explains the goals of the #EndTheCareCliff campaign. The campaign calls for:

• A fully funded opt-out system for Staying Put and Staying Close up to age 25

• Legal changes to homelessness legislation, including exempting care leavers from local area connection rules and intentionality assessments

• Guaranteed access to rent deposit schemes and guarantors from local authorities
  

From policy wins—like commitments to end the local area connection test—to the personal victories of reclaiming voice and agency, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about equity, youth rights, and the power of lived experience.

Key Topics Discussed

• The Care Cliff: What it means to suddenly lose support at 18

• Housing & Homelessness: Why care leavers face unique challenges securing safe, stable accommodation

• Policy & Campaigning: Demands for Staying Put, Staying Close, and legal reform

• Guarantor Inequality: How financial independence is weaponised against care leavers

• Trauma and Self-Discovery: Using lived experience as a platform for advocacy

• National vs Local Offers: The postcode lottery of care support

• Hope & Community: How campaigning builds strength, identity, and solidarity

Why You Should Listen

• Unfiltered Realities: Hear directly from care leavers on how systems fail—and how they fight back.

• Inspiring Resilience: Discover how young people turn hardship into power and policy change.

• Fuel for Change: Whether you’re in care, work in policy, or want to better support young people, this episode will deepen your understanding and spark action.

Support the podcast: Like, share, and follow to help raise underrepresented voices and make lasting change.

Further information and Resources

Become is the national charity that’s here to support every child and young person with experience of the care system. They tell us what’s not working. Together, we fight to make change happen.

Our work with care-experienced young people gives them the support and stability they need to smash their goals. But it’s equally important we keep pushing, to change the system altogether.

We raise awareness of the problems in the care system, and we campaign for change. Our work has resulted in some improvements for care-experienced young people. But there’s so much more to be done. We amplify young people’s voices so the public – and people in power – can see the real problems. Then, together, we show them what the system could look like.

To learn more, visit becomecharity.org.uk

Our Care Advice Service is here to support you during your time in care, and after you’ve left care

Call: 0800 023 2033

Email: advice@becomecharity.org.uk

Whatsapp us on 0786 003 4982

Amplify Us empowers and raises the voices of young people and those from underrepresented communities through podcasting and other creative platforms. Through engaging in our workshops and producing content, participants develop skills and confidence and create peer and community networks.

In this special episode of Amplify Us, we’re joined by Kismet, Vee and Li, three care-experienced young women involved with The Verbatim Formula – a powerful project founded by Maggie Inchley and Sylvan Baker. Together, they explore how creativity, storytelling, and community help shape new ways of thinking about experiences of care.

The conversation dives into personal stories of empowerment, the importance of safe spaces, and the role of the arts in challenging societal perceptions. Through poetry, performance, and advocacy, our guests share how creative expression offers a space for connection, healing, and real change.

🎧 In this episode:

• The power of storytelling through verbatim performance

• Why safe, supportive spaces matter

• Creative expression as a means of reclaiming identity

• Using lived experience to influence policy and understanding

Thanks to Devantai for the music and to People's Palace Projects and Queen Mary's University and the rest of the TVF team:

Benjamin Treloar, Claudius Hettori-Kwosah, Darcey Williamson, Devantai Page, Eileenamina, Iliane Rodrigues, Imran Quayes, Isabelle Kirkham, Kismet Meyon, Magali Hochberg, Maggie Inchley, Sylvan Baker, Victoria Odude.

@maggieInchley

@darceybw

@spongeebooobb

@k.i.z.z.i

@iqvisuals_

@queenv_no.1

@benjamintreloar

@djpxprod

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

🔗 Links:

• The Verbatim Formula – National Theatre

• Coram Voice

• The Foundling Museum

• • Raphael’s Room (@raphaelsroom) • Instagram photos and videos
  • https://peoplespalaceprojects.org.uk/en/

  
  

• 
  

Summary

The Netflix drama Adolescence has sparked discussion — but one group has been noticeably missing from the conversation: young peoplethemselves.

This conversation explores the critical need for young voices in discussions about adolescence, particularly in the context of the drama 'Adolescence'. The participants, Tamsin Clements (Founder of Amplify Us) hosts and talks to Ethan and Joshua (co-hosts of the podcast, The Conversation Cabinet) and their friend, Sophia, share their emotional reactions to the film, discuss the causes of insecurity and violence among youth, and emphasise the importance of reforming PSHE education. They advocate for creating safe spaces for young people to express their feelings and the necessity of open communication between peers and adults. The conversation also touches on the responsibilities of social media companies and the need for better understanding between generations.

Takeaways

Young voices are essential in discussions about adolescence.

The emotional impact of media can resonate deeply with viewers.

Insecurity and self-hatred can lead to dangerous behaviors.

PSHE education needs to be more relevant and comprehensive.

Creating safe spaces for young people is crucial for their well-being.

Open communication can prevent destructive behaviours among youth.

Policymakers should prioritise youth mental health in education.

Intergenerational dialogue is necessary to bridge understanding gaps.

Social media companies must take responsibility for their impact on youth.

The normalisation of male aggression needs to be addressed in society.

Keywords

adolescence, youth voices, mental health, PSHE education, social media, safe spaces, communication, violence against women, emotional well-being, intergenerational dialogue

Welcome to the Seeds of Change Podcast, a powerful conversation exploring advocacy, gentrification, and community through the lived experiences of young activists. Produced in collaboration with The Advocacy Academy (TAA) and Amplify Us, this episode delves into the impact of gentrification on local identity, the significance of third spaces, and the role of youth empowerment in driving social change.

In This Episode

Join a group of passionate young activists as they share their motivations for engaging in advocacy, reflect on the transformation of their communities, and discuss the challenges posed by gentrification—particularly in Brixton. Through insightful discussion and personal storytelling, they explore how local businesses, cultural heritage, and collective action shape the future of communities.

Key Topics Discussed

• Advocacy and Social Change: How young people can channel their energy into activism.

• Gentrification: A Double-Edged Sword? Examining the benefits and challenges of urban transformation.

• The Importance of Third Spaces: Why community spaces matter for connection and identity.

• Local Businesses and Cultural Heritage: How consumer choices impact the survival of independent traders.

• Empathy and Collective Action: Bridging generational gaps and fostering sustainable community development.

• Legacy and Community Identity: The lasting impact of displacement and cultural change.

Why You Should Listen

• Authentic Voices: Hear directly from young activists about the realities of gentrification and advocacy.

• Thought-Provoking Discussions: Gain a deeper understanding of how change affects communities on a personal level.

• Empowerment Through Dialogue: Learn how collective action and local engagement can help shape a more inclusive future.

About the Podcast

The Seeds of Change Podcast is part of Amplify Us, a platform that empowers young people through podcasting workshops in schools and organisations. This initiative provides a space for young voices to share their stories, challenge social issues, and inspire action. In collaboration with The Advocacy Academy, this episode highlights the importance of youth-led advocacy in shaping the communities of tomorrow.

Welcome to the Amplify Us: Young Changemakers Podcast, a platform dedicated to showcasing the powerful impact young people are making in their communities and beyond. In each episode, we amplify the voices of those challenging the status quo and driving meaningful change.

In This Episode:

In this episode Ben speaks with Jo Petty from Become Charity and care –experienced young person, Louise about the importance of empowering young people, particularly those with care experience. They discuss the challenges faced by young people in the care system, the impact of co-produced campaigns aimed at creating change, and the need for better support systems as they transition into adulthood. The conversation highlights the significance of advocacy, community support, and the collective effort to ensure that young people's experiences are heard and valued.

Topics Discussed:

• Empowering young voices through advocacy: The discussion highlights the importance of amplifying the voices of young people, especially those with care experience, to implement systemic changes. Louise's journey reflects how advocacy helps individuals gain confidence and bring attention to issues like the relocation of children in care.

• The "Gone Too Far" Campaign: advocating for proximity in care placements: This campaign addresses the harmful impact of moving children far from their familiar environments. Jo Petty explains how pushing for transparency and better policies, the campaign seeks to prioritise children's well-being in care decisions.

• Overcoming the "Care Cliff" - supporting transitions to adulthood: Ben & Louise discuss the abrupt loss of support for care-experienced individuals as they transition into adulthood. They propose extending support systems beyond age thresholds to ensure smoother transitions into independent living.

• The role of co-production in effective advocacy: Co-production, where those affected are actively involved in shaping solutions, is emphasised as key to creating meaningful change. Louise shares how being part of such processes enhanced her confidence and sense of agency.

• Vision for systemic change - building bridges in the care community: Ben & Louise dream of a world where communities unite to eliminate trauma and suffering. They emphasise forming connections between care providers and recipients to create a more supportive and inclusive system.

Our host Ben, a neurodivergent second-generation immigrant from the Philippines, brings his unique perspective to the conversation. His experiences in the care system, along with his artistic practice, deeply influence his work in raising awareness and creating positive change. A strong advocate for the creative arts as a tool for recovery and mental health awareness, Ben uses spoken word and poetry to inspire and uplift others.

Why You Should Listen:

• Hear firsthand accounts from care-experienced individuals like Louise, offering unique insights into the challenges faced within the care system.

• Learn about impactful initiatives like the "Gone Too Far" campaign, which advocates for better care placement policies to protect and empower young people.

• Gain a deeper understanding of systemic issues such as the "Care Cliff" and the need for extended support for care leavers transitioning into adulthood.

• Discover how young changemakers are using their experiences to influence policy, inspire others, and drive positive transformation in the care system.

About the Podcast:

The Amplify Us Young Changemakers Podcast is committed to giving young people a platform to share their stories, passions, and motivations. In every episode, we explore the causes that matter to young people today and highlight how they are leading the charge for a better, more inclusive world.

Connect with Us:

• Follow Amplify Us on @amplify.us.cic

www.amplify-us.org

• Join the conversation using #AmplifyUsChangemakers

Listen now and be inspired by the changemakers of tomorrow!