Leeds Building Society has appointed the UK’s biggest children’s charity, Barnardo’s, as its new charity partner until March 2027.
The society’s purpose is to put homeownership within reach of more people generation after generation – and that includes care-experienced people.
In 2022, 30,070 children left care. It is estimated that one in three young people become homeless in the first two years immediately after they leave care, and one in four homeless people have been in care at some point in their lives. For many care leavers, the concept of home is as far away in adulthood as it was as a youth, as they face a ‘cliff edge’ of diminished support once they leave care. Many begin to live independently earlier than others and are more likely to live in unsuitable or unsafe accommodation, struggling to afford basic essentials.
During the three-year partnership, Leeds Building Society has committed to raising a minimum of £300,000 to fund a programme called “Building Brighter Tomorrows” for care-experienced young people, providing the essential building blocks for individuals, equipping them with the tools, resources, and support needed to construct their path to a brighter future.
The partnership will help care leavers find somewhere to live, learn independent living skills, to continue with education or find work – and access support after leaving care.
The building society’s members and colleagues will raise money through a range of fundraising activities.
Richard Fearon, CEO of Leeds Building Society, said: “We all know the value of a place to call home. It’s the cornerstone of a safe, secure life. We are thrilled to be working with Barnardo’s to “build brighter tomorrows” by helping care-experienced young people on their path to a more secure future.
“Everyone deserves to transition into adulthood with the right tools and support structures, regardless of their background or circumstances. Sadly, this is not always the case. That’s why we’re proud to appoint Barnardo’s as our charity partner for the next three years.
“Through the partnership, we want to support young care leavers to find a home. We recognise that feeling safe and secure in a home impacts emotional well-being, and we are proud to pledge funds to be part of the positive change that Barnardo’s is making.”
Lynn Perry, CEO of Barnardo’s, added: “Child poverty is growing fast within the UK. We currently reach 400,000 children and young people each year, and with this support pledged by Leeds Building Society we can continue on our mission to change childhoods and ensure that we never turn a child away.
“The future can feel so uncertain to care-experienced people. Many care leavers carry burdens that young shoulders shouldn’t have to bear, and through this partnership and the fundraising by Leeds Building Society’s colleagues and members we hope to make a big difference to the futures of these young people.”
