Every Child Leaving Care Matters (ECLCM)

Ben Ashcroft is a care experienced adult and one of the founders of ECLCM, campaigning for equality within the care system. As well as being a board member of ECLCM, Ben Co-hosts the Yorkshire Respect Yourself charity raising awareness of subjects that matter most to young people.

Ben is the published author of 51 Moves, telling of his own experiences in the UK care system and Youth custody; now having turned his life around feels destined to make a difference to those children and young people currently being looked after by the State.

Having recently struggled with depression and anxiety, Ben is acutely aware of the long term implications of mental health issues, and the value of making choices that maintain a good emotional wellbeing. It is because of his commitment to maintaining his own mental health that he is able to combine his love of walking and his passion to make a difference to those who often do not have a public voice.

Ben intends to walk from Halifax to London raising awareness of a subject called Staying Close which is the Governments answer to Staying Put for those young people living in residential settings. Staying Close is currently being piloted & ECLCM wish to highlight their blue print for Staying Close and the minimum requirement for a service that is fit for purpose. ECLCM’s blue print is CARING TEAMS.

ECLCM is not a charity, therefore Ben will require funds for promotional items & to support him with food & lodgings on the way.

Thank you for looking at our page & for your donation as Every Child Leaving Care Matters, all donations are gratefully received.