Carefree’s Lawrence Lloyd speaks at APPG!
Carefree’s Lawrence spoke in Parliament at the All Party Parliamentary Group for Care-Experienced Children and Young People.
Read on for Lawrences inspirational speech:
“My name’s Lawrence, and I’m a care-experienced young person. I’m really grateful to be here today — not just to share my story, but to highlight why involving children and young people in decision-making isn’t just a good idea. It’s essential. Our lived experiences offer vital insights that can’t be replicated through theory alone, and when those insights shape strategy and policy, real change happens.
I entered the care system at the age of 10, and over the past decade, I’ve been actively involved with Carefree Cornwall — an incredible charity that brings together young people in and leaving care, creating a space for us to connect, be heard, and influence decisions that affect us. I previously served as a trustee on their board and recently stepped into a full-time role, where I support young people aged 11–25 as they navigate the care system and build independent futures.
Being involved in decision-making means we’re not just subjects of policy — we’re partners in shaping it. In Cornwall, we’ve created real opportunities for young people to lead, not just participate. Groups like A Voice for Us and the Care for Change Council engage a large number of young people every year in shaping both local and national policy. One of the most impactful things we do is take over and chair Cornwall’s Corporate Parenting Board twice a year — giving us a direct platform to lead conversations that influence services.
There’s also important work happening to ensure separated children seeking asylum have their voices heard too — because participation must be inclusive if it’s going to be meaningful.
Beyond Cornwall, I take part in the Young People’s Benchmarking Forum (YPBMF), where local authorities come together with a focus in strengthening their offers for care leavers. I’ve had the chance to work with my local council to advocate for better housing solutions — an issue that continues to be a major challenge for care-experienced young people.
I also hold a degree in Sustainable Product Design — a field that’s all about creative problem-solving. That mindset carries into my advocacy work, including my involvement in NCB, where I’ve seen firsthand how collaboration with the Department for Education helps drive meaningful legislative and policy change.
Because here’s the truth: when decisions are made about us without us, it feels frustrating and disempowering. It sends the message that our voices don’t matter. But when we are included — genuinely and consistently — it builds trust, confidence, and a real sense of ownership over our futures.
So what happens when young people are meaningfully involved? Services get better. In Cornwall, we’ve made it clear to our Corporate Parenting Board what matters most:
• Strong, consistent relationships
• Support to understand our experiences and care for our mental wellbeing
• Better housing options as we leave care
But to deliver that, all services need to work together cohesively, services like education, health, social care, and the police — with legislation and local action backing them up. That’s how we move from profit-driven models to real, community-based solutions that actually support young people.
It’s no coincidence that Cornwall’s care leaver services are rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Participation plays a huge role in that. But there’s always more to do. And for me, advocacy isn’t just a passion — it’s a responsibility. I’m committed to helping build a system that listens, evolves, and truly empowers the next generation to thrive.
Thank you.”
Well done Lawrence, Carefree is very proud!