Podcasts & Specials

Commander Paul Thomson joined the Royal Navy after spending some of his childhood in foster care. He got a place at university thanks to a Royal Navy undergraduate scheme and is now enjoying a successful career in the service. Listen as Paul talks about his experiences both in and out of uniform and explains why he believes a background in care shouldn’t define the rest of your life. This series is presented by Lucy Coward and made by BFBS for the MOD.

Not everyone in the military has strong family support or even a home to go to when they’re on leave. Leading Writer Louise Dorsett has been in the Royal Navy for five years. She spent time in foster homes as a child and then lived independently as a young adult before joining the service. Louise talks about her experiences as well as explaining some of the unique challenges faced by those who join the military after a childhood in care, such as having nowhere to go home to at Christmas. This series is presented by Lucy Coward and made by BFBS for the MOD.

Jay Jay Rainford knew he wanted to join the Royal Navy when he was just 15. After attending Welbeck Defence Sixth Form college Jay Jay joined the Submarine Service and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. He felt it was a fresh start after a childhood spent in the care system. Jay Jay has only recently spoken publicly of his background and says he has started to tell people because he wants to raise awareness of the difficulties care leavers can face. This series is presented by Lucy Coward and made by BFBS for the MOD.

Lieutenant Colonel Tracey Wright first went into care when she was three years old. She knew she wanted to join the army and joined the cadets as soon as she could. Here she talks about the stability given to her by the cadets and why she believes a life of structure in the forces was the right choice. She hopes by speaking out she can help others in the military from similar backgrounds. This series is presented by Lucy Coward and made by BFBS for the MOD.

So what more can the MOD can do to support those who came to the forces after leaving care? Professor Mike Stein from York University and Paul Skidmore from the leaving care service at Leeds City Council are two experts in the field. Professor Stein used to work as a probation officer and childcare worker and is a leading academic who has researched the impact of a background in care. He says an unsettled upbringing, missed education and mental health problems can lead to difficulties in adult life. After leaving the RAF Paul Skidmore started working in social services and now works directly with young people leaving care. He says the MOD understands the needs of care leavers better than ever before but there’s still more than can be done. This series is presented by Lucy Coward and made by BFBS for the MOD.