Fellows working to improve the experiences of children in care come together
On 3 July 2026, Churchill Fellows from our Children and Young People in Care programme came together at the Coram Campus in London for an afternoon of conversation, connection, and shared learning.
The gathering brought together Fellows from all three programme cohorts. Some are still undertaking their international learning, while others have recently returned and are beginning to share and apply what they have learned.
About the programme
The Children and Young People in Care programme was established in 2023 in partnership with Coram, one of the UK’s leading children’s charities.
Now in its third and final year, the programme has supported 32 Fellows to learn from practice and policy around the world and consider how their insights could improve the experiences of children and young people in care in the UK.
Their projects cover a wide range of themes, including trauma-informed care, mental health, voice and participation, identity and belonging, care system reform, and transitions out of care.
A day of peer learning and discussion
The afternoon was facilitated by Juliet Lyon, a member of the Churchill Fellowship Advisory Council, and Jacqui Morrissey, the Churchill Fellowship’s Engagement Director.
Carol Homden, CEO of Coram, opened the session with an overview of the current landscape for children and young people in care, including recent policy developments.
Fellows then heard from Al Coates (CF 2024), who reflected on his own Fellowship journey and shared an honest and encouraging reminder that meaningful change often takes time.
During a series of breakout discussions, Fellows came together around shared themes to explore what they had learned, what had surprised them, and the questions they were still considering.
Laurelle Brown (CF 2018), who was part of the working group that helped develop the programme, also joined the gathering and shared her experience and perspective.
What Fellows took away
When asked what they had valued most about the day, Fellows spoke about the sense of community, the opportunity to hear different perspectives, and the chance to learn from one another.
For many, simply being in the same room as others working across similar issues was particularly valuable. The gathering gave them an opportunity to draw on the knowledge and experience within the group and to be reminded that they are not working alone.
Looking ahead
Fellows will come together again online in September, ahead of a showcase event planned for early 2027.
The event will provide an opportunity to share learning from across the programme with policymakers, practitioners, and others working to improve the experiences of children and young people in care.