The Care Leaders's Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Care Leaders
Welcome to ‘In Conversation With’ – conversations with inspirational leaders and Luke Rodgers. The Care Leaders celebrates lived experience leaders, and our podcast is a series of conversations we are having with a leader from childrens services. Each month we will sit down with a leader from our sector and chat about their personal and professional experiences .Our guests will share their insights from their experinces, learnings and the work that they do for young people with care experience. We will discuss what tools and resources professionals can use to better engage with our young people and what work our leaders can offer to better enhance the lives of children and young people.
In this episode of Conversations That Care, Luke and Karylle delve into the intricate world of young people navigating the complexities of school and social care. With Karylle's unique perspective as a care-experienced social worker, teacher, and aspiring lawyer, listeners gain invaluable insights into the challenges faced by these vulnerable individuals.
From the impact of COVID-19 on education to the delicate balance between child-focused systems and the demands on social workers, this episode sparks thought-provoking discussions. Luke and Karylle explore the importance of collaboration between schools and social care, the role of foster carers, and the need for a holistic approach to behaviour management.
Whether you're a professional working in education, social care, or youth work, or simply someone passionate about child welfare, this episode offers a fresh perspective and practical insights into improving the lives of young people in care.
Tune in to discover:
- The challenges faced by young people balancing school and social care
- The importance of collaboration between schools and social care professionals
- The role of foster carers in supporting young people
- The need for a nuanced approach to behaviour management
Don't miss this essential conversation about creating a better future for our young people.
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Relationships, relationships, relationships, this is something we hear echo the metaphorical corridors of our sector.
We talk about the power of relationships and the transformative impact they can have for young people. We advocate for permeant relationships to be available for care experienced people, and we even formalise it with phrases like ‘relationship focussed practice’.
It’s clear we believe in revolution through relationships – so it only made sense that Karylle and Luke got together and spoke about it.
Tune into this month’s podcast where we talk about our relationship, the relationships we had with adults growing up and the impact that people have had on our lives.
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Subscribe to our newsletter for more insights and updates from our lived experience leaders.
If you’ve read any of Luke's blogs, you will know that he is unsure about making care experience a protected characteristic.
This view is shared by many, and people have asked him to share his perspective since the campaign began because they are unsure too. The main reasons for concern include the lack of evidence to suggest this will have an impact, insufficient consultation with care-experienced people about making it a protected characteristic (that equates to the volume of people this will impact), and uncertainty about the next steps once it’s established as a protected characteristic.
Karylle and Luke got together to discuss this topic openly and honestly on our podcast, and we hope more people will come forward and share their concerns publicly too.
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Speakers:Luke Rodgers: Founder of The Care Leaders, lived experience leader and former fellow at the University of Oxford.
Karylle Phillips: Qualified teacher, social worker, and trauma-informed practitioner.
Podcast Overview:In this engaging episode, Luke Rodgers and Karylle Phillips delve into the nuances of sharing lived experiences in the social care sector. They discuss their transition from sharing personal stories to becoming key figures in advocating for systemic change.
Highlights of the Episode:
1. Personal Journeys:
Luke and Karylle recount their beginnings in sharing their personal stories to raise awareness and drive change. They discuss how their roles evolved from storytellers to consultants and trainers, highlighting the importance of authenticity and ethical considerations in sharing personal narratives.
2. Influence of Lived Experiences:
The discussion covers how sharing lived experiences can impact policy and practice within the social care system. They emphasise the need for engaging lived experience leaders in meaningful ways beyond just storytelling.
3. Ethical Considerations and Challenges:
They address the ethical dilemmas of sharing personal trauma and the risk of re-traumatization. The conversation touches on the power dynamics involved in sharing stories and the necessity of support systems for lived experience leaders.
4. Transition and Skill Development:
Luke and Karylle talk about moving from sharing personal stories to acquiring skills and knowledge that drive systemic change. They highlight the importance of training and mentorship for lived experience leaders to enhance their impact.
5. Future Integration:
The episode concludes with insights on integrating lived experiences more effectively into the social care sector. Luke and Karylle advocate for investing in lived experience leaders and providing them with the tools and support needed to translate their insights into actionable change.
Tune In:
Listeners are encouraged to join this thought-provoking conversation on the power and ethics of sharing lived experiences. This episode offers valuable insights for practitioners, policy-makers, and anyone connected to the care system.
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In our latest podcast episode of "In Conversation With," we sit down with the inspirational Luke Rodgers BEM, the founder of The Care Leaders. 🎙️
Luke's journey from care leaver to care leader is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and determination. His story will give you hope and inspiration as he shares his experiences and how The Care Leaders is changing the landscape of children's social care.
Join us as we explore his mission to create an allyship of both those with lived experience and professional experience, uniting to revolutionise children's social care. 🤝
Discover how Luke's passion and vision are making a lasting impact on young people in care, offering them the guidance and support they need to become leaders in their own lives.
If you're a social worker, teacher, therapist, or simply someone who cares about the future of young people I care, this episode is a must-listen. 🌠
Luke's story is proof that no matter where you come from, you can become a catalyst for change. Don't miss this inspiring conversation.
Tune in to "In Conversation With" and be part of a movement that's transforming the lives of children in care, care leavers, and those with social workers. It's time for real change, and it starts here! 💪🎗️
As referenced in this episode: The National House Project - https://thehouseproject.org
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In this episode, your hosts, Luke Rodgers BEM, Karylle Phillips and Dave Linton, engage in a thought-provoking discussion titled "Redefining Narratives: Why Changing Words Won't Change Worlds."
Language plays a crucial role in how we perceive and interact with the world, especially when it comes to children in care and care leavers. The episode explores the significance of language in the context of trauma-informed practice, emphasising that it's not just about being politically correct; it's about ensuring that young people and adults understand each other effectively.
Luke shares a personal story from his childhood in care, highlighting how the choice of words can have unintended consequences on a child's perception and emotional well-being. He vividly describes how a seemingly harmless phrase led to a completely different interpretation, demonstrating the need for clear and empathetic communication.
Dave Linton chimes in with his perspective, explaining that while changing language is a step in the right direction, it's not the sole solution to changing outcomes for care-experienced individuals. He challenges the common belief that altering terminology is the key to transforming attitudes and practices.
Tune in as our hosts explore the complexities of language and its impact on the lives of those in care, shedding light on the broader issues surrounding the care system. Discover why it's essential to move beyond surface-level changes in language and work toward shifting perceptions and dismantling stereotypes.
If you're a social worker, teacher, therapist, or simply someone interested in understanding and improving the lives of children in care, this episode is a must-listen.
Join us on "In Conversation With" as we navigate the intricate web of language, perceptions, and experiences that matter for children in care, care leavers, and those with a social worker. Together, we aim to create a more empathetic and inclusive community
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In this episode, they dive into the pressing question: "Can Youth Participation Avoid Tokenism?" With a blend of personal stories and professional insights, Luke and Karylle share their lived experiences and effective strategies to authentically involve young people.
Drawing from their diverse backgrounds spanning lived experience and professional practices, the hosts shed light on the challenges of tokenism in youth engagement. Through engaging anecdotes, they reveal how tokenism can hinder progress and sideline genuine voices.
However, the episode goes beyond identifying issues. Luke and Karylle provide actionable tips to shift from tokenistic gestures to meaningful involvement. From co-creation approaches to fostering open and safe dialogues, they offer practical methods to reshape the way youth participation is approached.
Tune in now as Luke and Karylle uncover insights that resonate with anyone passionate about authentic youth engagement. Gain valuable perspectives on empowering young voices and driving positive change.
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In this episode, we explore the complex world of social work relationships and the reasons why children often experience changes in their social workers.
Luke shares a poignant personal story of his own experience as a looked-after child and how his first social worker's departure left a lasting impression.
The hosts explore the various factors that lead to social worker changes, such as organisational restructures and job turnover, and how these shifts can impact the stability and permanence that young people in care desperately need.
They also discuss the challenges social workers face in balancing the pursuit of stability with the reality of a fragile and ever-changing system.
Tune in to discover the importance of radical honesty in building relationships with young people, acknowledging the inherent instability within the system, and creating a space where genuine connections can flourish.
Join Luke and Karylle in this thought-provoking conversation that highlights the need for open discussions about endings and the evolving role of social workers in today's ever-changing landscape.
Note: This episode is a part of a series that aims to shed light on critical issues within the children social care profession and the lives of those involved in the care system.
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In this episode as we delve into the crucial topic of care-experienced young people and their involvement in crime and exploitation.
Our hosts examine the reasons behind increased criminal behaviour, the importance of meaningful activities, and the need to challenge stereotypes.
Gain valuable insights and personal anecdotes as we explore the challenges faced by care experienced young people and the urgent need for change.
Don't miss this enlightening discussion that aims to reshape the narrative and create a brighter future for all.
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In this episode we explore the realities of leaving care and the challenges of becoming independent overnight. Our hosts Luke Rodgers, Karylle Phillips, lived experience leaders, and Dave Linton, founder of Madlug, come together to share their insights on this important topic.
We delve into the struggles faced by young people transitioning out of care and into adulthood. We discuss the shortcomings of the current system and the need for a more holistic approach to support these individuals. While budgeting is essential, the speakers argue that young people need more significant adults in their lives to provide a network of support.
Our hosts also highlight the importance of community and how leaving care can be a traumatic experience. They share their own experiences of feeling trapped and the need for a more compassionate approach to caring for young people who have experienced trauma.
If you are someone who has left care or you work with young people who are leaving care, this podcast is for you. Join us as we explore the reality of leaving care and the support needed to help these individuals transition into successful, independent adults.
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In this episode we hear from Luke Rodgers and Karylle Phillips, both lived experience leaders, and Dave Linton, the founder of Madlug, the focus is on how to effectively communicate with teenagers.
The discussion centers around the fact that teenagers in care often present a particular challenge, and many adults struggle to connect with them. We delve into the reasons behind this and explore the ways in which adults can engage with young people to foster better communication.
We discuss the importance of recognising the history and trauma that many of these teenagers have experienced, and how this impacts their behaviour and communication. We also talk about the common triggers that adults experience when communicating with teenagers, and how these can be overcome.
The episode is titled "Communication: How to Get Teenagers to Talk Back to You" and aims to provide insights and strategies for anyone working with young people, particularly those in care, to improve communication and build stronger relationships.
In this episode we hear from Luke Rodgers and Karylle Phillips, both lived experience leaders, and Dave Linton, the founder of Madlug.
Together, they discuss the real-life experiences of moving from one foster care placement to another, the challenges that come with this process, and what it truly means to find permanency.
Through their personal stories and expertise, Luke, Karylle, and Dave shed light on the difficulties young people face when transitioning between foster homes and the impact it can have on their lives. They explore the importance of stability and security for young people in care, and how we can better support them during these transitions.
Join us for this insightful conversation as we learn about the realities of foster care transitions and how we can all work towards a better future for children and young people in care.
Ric Flo is a lived experience leader, rapper, and founder of Mantra Music, the world’s first record label exclusively for care-experienced artists.For the latest episode of our ‘In Conversation With’ series, Luke Rodgers BEM, founder of The Care Leaders, chatted to Ric to learn more about his background, his passion for music, and how he’s supporting talented care-experienced young people through his work.
To find out more about Ric and Mantra Music, visit the website. You can also email them directly at info@mantramusic.co.uk
When young people enter care, it can seem like the system takes a young person’s identity and gives them a new one, projecting them into a confusing world with new terminologies and often leaving them with little understanding of what’s happening. Systems are set up to safeguard children, which can sometimes leave families in cycles of trauma and negative family dynamics. Services become overwhelmed with the increasing numbers of young people entering care and become more stretched. Children feel confused and lost in the system; parents are hurt and often frightened, whilst practitioners are under pressure to ensure all young people are safe. Families deserve to be supported and children have a right to understand what’s happening to them.
In our latest latest episode, The Care Leaders, together with Madlug founder, Dave Linton, discuss the lived experiences of entering care and the breakdown in communications that can leave young people misunderstanding the real reason they entered care.
To learn more about Entering care - The real reasons children come into care click here https://thecareleaders.com/courses/entering-care-the-real-reasons-children-enter-care/
In children’s social care, systems are often set up to ‘manage’ the behaviour children and young people display, rather than helping us to understand the reasons behind their behaviour and what it communicates. In our latest episode, The Care Leaders, together with Madlug founder, Dave Linton, discuss supportive foster carers, recognising triggers, and the importance of trust without conditions.
Daddyless Daughters was founded by Aliyah Ali and is a non profit organisation based in South East London. We support girls and young women across London between the age of 14 - 30 years old who may have complex needs.
They provide physical and emotional safe spaces through one to one/group mentoring, creative expression projects, community events and educational workshops. Their creative expression projects empower disadvantaged and marginalised girls and women who have been affected by family breakdown, abuse and adversity by providing a platform to articulate their thoughts, feelings and experiences.
They specialise in being trauma informed and implementing a therapeutic approach to our work and across different sectors such as film/script writing development, project design and service delivery.
Originally from East London, Jerome Harvey-Agyei is a lived experience leader and co-founder of The Topé Project, a volunteer-run organisation supporting care leavers “who may not see beyond their circumstances to understand their life potential”. For the latest episode of our ‘In Conversation With’ series **, we chatted to Jerome to learn more about his story.
In addition to co-founding The Topé Project, Jerome works as a youth participation lead at The Mayor Of London's Violence Reduction Unit (VRU). He also works as a radio host and is a One Young World Ambassador. You can learn more about him by visiting The Tope Project website or by watching his videos on YouTube. You can also contact him via email, or reach out to him on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter.**
Aren't we all born to love and be loved? This is a question we discuss in the first session of our ‘Journey Through Care’ training, and together with Madlug founder, Dave Linton, in this month podcast episode. How do we better support young people in our care? What constitutes a child in need? And how can we ensure consistency within the system? Listen to the full episode to hear our thoughts.
The Care Leaders celebrates professional and lived experience leaders. Welcome to ‘In Conversation With’ – conversations with inspirational leaders and Luke Rodgers.
This month, Luke took the time to speak with Maggie Atkinson, Educator and former Children's Commissioner.
Maggie opens up about the purpose of her work within children's services, what she feels would change the system and her future - could we be calling Maggie a Lord one day?
What a wonderful conversation with an incredible leader! We are grateful for Maggie's time, honesty and leadership.
Scott King is a 'Lived Experience Leader' and now, the founder of, Section 31 Training.
For the latest episode of our ‘In Conversation With’ series, we chatted to Scott about his time in the care system, his involvement in change-making movements, and being an advocate for looked-after children and care leavers
https://section31training.co.uk
The Care Leaders celebrates lived experience leaders. Welcome to ‘In Conversation With’ – conversations with inspirational leaders and Luke Rodgers.
Luke took the time to speak with Carl Moreton, founder of ‘My Future Self Matters’. My Future Self Matters is a workshop and mentoring programme for young people which aims to help them grow as individuals, find their purpose, and reach their full potential.
Kevin Williams is the chief executive of the Fostering Network, the UK's leading charity supporting foster carers and fostering services. For the latest episode of our ‘In Conversation With’ series, we chatted to Kevin about this month’s Foster Care Fortnight, and why foster carers are important now more than ever.