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Our mission is to create brighter futures for children and young people. We do this by providing fostering, residential and support services where children and young people can feel safe and cared for. We support them to make positive relationships which give them the confidence to succeed.
Could fund an hour of one-to-one support, helping a young person face everyday challenges and start reconnecting with the world
Could provide activities and guidance to help a young person overcome anxiety and rediscover their potential
Could fund a full day of support from a Life Skills Worker, giving a young person the tools and resilience to build a brighter future
When a young person comes to live in one of our homes, it’s often after years of upheaval and uncertainty. Many arrive feeling anxious, disconnected, and unsure what their future holds. Everyday things most of us take for granted, like travelling alone, cooking dinner, or socialising with peers, can feel overwhelming.
At St Christopher’s, we know that navigating the different stages of their care journey begins with small steps. That’s why our team works side by side with young people, helping them build practical skills and confidence through everyday experiences. It’s about more than learning how to budget or cook – it’s about discovering belief in themselves and building trust in others.
When Mia first arrived at one of our homes, she felt utterly lost – years of moving between homes had left her withdrawn and unsure of herself. Her confidence was low. She had fallen out of education and spent most days alone in her room, avoiding other people and the world outside due to social anxiety. Even everyday things, like taking a train or cooking a meal, felt too big to face.
Everything began to change when Mia came to St Christopher’s and met the team who work with young people in our homes to build practical skills and confidence. Their support was instrumental in Mia’s journey. They started small – weekly walks, short chats, and setting achievable goals.
One of those goals was to take a train for the very first time. With her Life Skills Coordinator beside her, Mia boarded nervously, but by the end of the journey, she was smiling. A few weeks later, she was travelling across London on her own and even started taking her younger sister with her. That one meaningful step opened a whole new world.
Cooking became another turning point. Mia had never cooked before, but soon she was mastering everything from chickpea curry to homemade bread. She even began cooking dishes from her heritage for her housemates, proudly sharing a piece of her culture while learning a valuable life skill.
From there, Mia’s confidence grew. She joined our Young People’s Panel, a space for young people to share their experiences and help shape life at St Christopher’s. She also discovered a talent for art and was thrilled to have two of her paintings displayed at our art exhibition in the Spring. Each new experience helped her feel more connected, capable, and hopeful about the future.
Now, Mia is thriving – taking on new challenges, developing her life skills, and inspiring other young people with her courage and positivity. All these experiences will support her journey when leaving care and beyond.
Mia’s journey shows that real change doesn’t happen all at once. It begins with that first step – and with the right support to take it.
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