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Young advocate wins Centrepoint Award for her work to change the care system
The Young Lives Foundation said Hayleigh’s advocacy helped her find her voice and support other care leavers facing housing barriers.
The Young Lives Foundation nominated Hayleigh for Centrepoint's "Partner" award, recognizing her advocacy work on behalf of care leavers and other young people from similar backgrounds.
After entering care at 10 years old, Hayleigh overcame significant challenges while raised by her grandmother and now serves on the Children in Care Council representing care-experienced youth.
The Young Lives Foundation in Kent supported Hayleigh for over a decade, helping her build confidence. Leaving Care Mentor Amy said: "I met Hayleigh four years ago and was immediately impressed."
Separately, Centrepoint successfully campaigned for a new Housing Benefit rule effective this October, allowing young people in supported housing to keep more earnings from work.
Centrepoint launched Centreprise, an entrepreneurial program backed by a £1 million legacy gift from the late Alex Fortescue, providing £70k in support to help young people build businesses over five years.