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“The experience of care is not a straightforward one and needs greater understanding from all of us. There are few things that illuminate it more than these powerful words, chosen by gifted and resilient young people.” Peter Capaldi, actor and host for Voices Competition Awards 2019

Creative expression, creating change Coram works to provide opportunities for young people to access creative arts to share their experiences, increase their social mobility and personal progression, and improve public understanding of the issues they face.

Voices Competition The annual Coram Voice writing competition Voices, celebrates the creative talent and powerful voices of children in and leaving care. Now in its fourth year, 249 young people submitted a moving array of poems and stories. Judges included BBC reporter Ashley John-Baptiste and authors Kit de Waal and Jenny Molloy. The ceremony was generously supported by Nick and Katie Searl, Cadence Innova, Havas London, The Queen’s Trust, and Rosemary and Bernard Mayes.

“My poem felt natural to write as it depicted real experiences in a creative way. I was surprised to have won and even more surprised when a director in the audience offered me a job at Havas Helia. I met various charity managers and fundraisers at the award ceremony, and am thankful to Coram for starting the chain of events that led to this outcome!” Sophia, winner of the Care Leaver Award, pictured above

National Youth Theatre Performance The year has seen a new partnership production with the National Youth Theatre and writer Jamila Gavin to explore the experiences of migrant young people arriving in Kent. Wherever I Lay My Head weaves their testimony into a vibrant ensemble performance which was presented at City Hall at the invitation of the Mayor of London’s peer outreach team. Hear a radio interview with the cast and director to find out more about how the struggles of young migrants’ inspired this piece.