The Caldecott Community pioneered a therapeutic approach and a sense of belonging for distressed children like me

I originally took up poetry to woo girlfriends – now it helps me express my feelings and record what I’ve been through

As a care worker I was expected to cover as many calls as possible, with people reduced to names on a list to work through

We had children of our own and were willing to do everything it took, but mismanagement and bureaucracy made the process almost impossible

Care workers are often told not to get attached to the people we care for. That’s impossible

As part of an inner-city team, poor structuring and overwork drove me to tears. Now, I’m helping to provide support to newly qualified social workers

Supporting a deaf woman when her husband died reminded me why I love this job

Biological and foster families need more support to work together and build meaningful relationships

She said no – but for someone who had grown up in care and feared life alone as an adult, it was worth trying for a happy ending

An unintended stay with my dying stepfather and ill mother left me in awe of the care teams and the challenges they face

I had to deal with a substance misusing father, his angry son and their pack of vicious dogs

I build unique relationships with children, worry about them at weekends and watch them grow up

Local authorities need to do more to manage the uncertainty, desolation and confusion that young people face when moving between homes

When I was 15, my social worker aunt tried to put me off the profession. She failed

Seeing an elderly man through his wife’s eyes, I learned to appreciate the person behind the disease

A client invited me into his house while holding a bloody carving knife. My lack of concern for my safety was a sign of burnout

I had been trying for two years to gain specialist support, but it felt like the whole care system was broken

Walking the streets at night to support rough sleepers, I was forced to check my privilege by a homeless man