You Really Are on Your Own

26th August 2026

Reflection on the BBC News reports of early deaths of care-experienced young people

Following the BBC News report (25.08.2026) into the early deaths of care-experienced young people, we wanted to share some thoughts on the reality facing many young people as they transition out of care, and why having just one trusted adult in their corner can make all the difference.

BBC News has published a deeply concerning article following the publication of a review commissioned by the Department for Education into the early deaths of young people who have previously been in care.

The findings are difficult to read.

In 2025, 112 young people aged between 18 and 24 who had previously been in care died.

40 of those young people took their own lives.

The review also highlighted the disproportionately high number of death notifications involving 18-year-olds compared with other ages in the 18–24 age group.

You can read the BBC News article here.

But behind every number is a young person.

A life.

A story.

And for us at YLF, the findings also shine a light on something we see every day through our work with care-experienced young people across Kent and Medway: the reality of what can happen when a young person reaches adulthood and suddenly feels like they are expected to manage on their own.

The fear of turning 18

For many young people, turning 18 is exciting.

It might mean going to university, starting work, learning to drive or moving into their own place, all while still having the reassurance of family and friends around them.

But for some care-experienced young people, turning 18 can feel very different.

It can bring uncertainty about where they will live. Fear about managing money. Concerns about education or employment. Anxiety about losing relationships and support, and suddenly, there can be an expectation that they will know how to manage a home, pay their bills, make important decisions and navigate adulthood.

At YLF, we often hear this described as the “care cliff”.

Imagine it…

You’ve moved into your first home. Your Personal Adviser has helped you get things set up. You’ve sorted your utilities. You’ve received your Leaving Care Grant. You’ve been shopping and filled your cupboards. Perhaps you’ve got college starting soon, or you’re looking for work.
Then you wake up one morning…
And you’re on your own.

What happens when the washing machine floods the kitchen? When the electricity goes off and you don’t know how to fix it? When you’re trying to work out your budget and realise you’ve run out of food and money at 3pm on a Friday? Who do you call?

These might sound like everyday problems, but when you’re living independently for the very first time, without a family home to return to or someone nearby to ask for advice, those problems can feel enormous.

And what about the good days?

Support isn’t only about having someone to call when things go wrong. When you don’t have family or friends around you, who do you tell when something good happens?

Who celebrates when you get the apprenticeship you’ve been hoping for? Who do you call when you pass your driving theory test? Who listens when you’re worried, without judging you? Who is simply there?

The review highlights the importance of care leavers having at least one trusted adult who can support and guide them through the transition into adulthood.

One person who listens.

One person who encourages.

One person who offers advice without taking over.

One person who celebrates the small wins.

One person who is consistent.

One person who is still there.

Could you be that one person?

At YLF, our Futures Team supports volunteers to become Leaving Care Mentors for care-experienced young adults across Kent and Medway.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need to be able to fix everything. Being a mentor is about building a relationship. It’s about listening, encouraging, helping a young person navigate the everyday challenges of adulthood, helping them find the right support when something is beyond your expertise and sometimes, it is simply about being there.

Because the difference between facing a difficult moment completely alone and knowing there is someone you can call can be life-changing.

There are currently care-experienced young adults across Kent and Medway waiting to be matched with a mentor.

Could you be the trusted adult that one young person is waiting for?