Ingrid’s story

Ingrid was 12 when she went into care for her welfare and safety. Children like Ingrid may be taken into care for all sorts of reasons; they may have been abused or neglected, or they may have families who are struggling to cope. When Ingrid left care, aged 16, she decided to move into Barnardo’s supported accommodation. ‘I met the staff and attended some groups and I was then able to move on gradually – this was very important,’ she says. ‘It takes time to move properly, you learn essential things for living on your own like managing money, cooking, shopping, how to read electric meters and simple things like that.’

Living independently at such a young age was not always easy for Ingrid and she, like many other young people, found the abrupt transition from care a big adjustment to make. We provide essential, practical support to bridge the gap between leaving care and living in the adult world. Our services help people develop the life skills they will need to look after themselves, such as cooking or living on a budget. We help them secure permanent accommodation, and remain available to offer support and counselling if necessary. We also encourage young people to undertake employment, training or further education.

Ingrid is now doing well. But she is clear how much she has depended on Barnardo’s to reach this stage, and says: ‘I wouldn’t be here if not for Barnardo’s. I’ve learnt so much from my mistakes – for people that come from care it’s like a normal family, they help, advise and support you and know you have to make mistakes and keep on supporting you until you get there.’