Care Day 2026
Young people who have experienced care face unique challenges, from stigma and stereotypes to barriers in education, housing, health, and leaving care. But every day, they show resilience, creativity, and determination in overcoming these hurdles.
Every year we celebrate National Care Day; this day celebrates the strengths, achievements, and positive contributions of children and young people with care experience, and advocates for their rights and support.
There are lots of different ways in which you can Show You Care. Find more information about each of them:
- independent visitors
- fostering
- employment and experience opportunities
- fundraising - Violet chambers fund
Independent visitors
Become an Independent Visitor and meet once a month with a young person in our care. Together you’ll spend time engaging in positive and enjoyable activities that help them feel valued and supported. By offering consistency and genuine connection, you become a trusted role model and someone who listens and encourages them to be themselves. It’s a chance to make a meaningful, lasting difference in a young person’s life.
For enquiries email: [email protected]
Fostering
Fostering for York is more than looking after children when they need it the most, it’s becoming a part of our wider fostering community in the city and working together to improve futures. We are urgently looking for foster homes, right now, for our amazing children and young people. If you’ve never thought about fostering, we’d love you to start.
Meet our friendly team at one of our regular online information sessions, you can find more information on the York Fostering website or contact us by email: [email protected]
Employment and experience opportunities
Providing opportunities can show children and young people in care and care leavers that there is a future and that they can succeed.
Examples are:
- a day’s work experience
- extended work experience, exploring different areas of the business
- mentoring
- skills workshops
- apprenticeships and internships
- guaranteed interviews
- employment
To find out more about how your business could help support York’s care leavers throughout the year please get in touch with the council’s employment and opportunities broker for care leavers, email: [email protected]
Fundraising: Violet chambers fund – Dream Big!
The new Violet Chambers Fund provides opportunities for children and young people in care and care leavers from York to offer opportunities and experiences that for many children and young people are part of everyday family life.
The new fund retains at its heart the wishes of Miss Violet Chambers who made the original donation whilst reflecting a changing society and needs of children and young people.
Through the new fund children and young people in care and care leavers from York can apply for a small grant to support unique experiences, and opportunities that promote health and wellbeing, belonging and community.
This fund can only exist because of Miss Violet Chambers original donation and from the kind donations that have followed from various individuals over the years.
You can support the fund by:
- making a donation
- hold a fundraising event
- undertaking a sponsorship challenge
For enquiries please email: [email protected]