Helping Care Leavers Build Stronger Futures.
We're dedicated to enriching the lives of care-experienced young adults connected to the London Boroughs of Richmond, Kingston, and Hounslow.
Through year-round support and regular social events, including our flagship event — we create community, connection, opportunity and brighter futures.
We stand alongside care-experienced young adults, offering personalised support that eases hardship, combats isolation, and empowers them to move forward with confidence. From improving living conditions to nurturing ambitions, we're here to help navigate life’s everyday challenges.
Why we Support Care-Experienced Young Adults
Care-experienced young adults, sometimes known as care leavers, have spent all or part of their childhood in the care of the local authority because they were not able to live with family. There can be a number of reasons why a child cannot remain at home - neglect, abuse, parental illness, the death of one or both parents, relationship breakdown and some have had to flee their home country due to war or persecution. They may have lived with a foster family, in a children's home or supported accommodation. Often children and young people in care can experience multiple moves during their time in care.
Many care-experienced people have experienced trauma and instability, the effects of which are carried into adulthood with many facing multiple challenges. They are forced into independence at a younger age and with less support than their peers who grew up with family.
We are committed to supporting care-experienced young adults to live and thrive, not just survive.
Meet the Team
Operational Staff
Board of Trustees
Adriana Thomas
Chief Executive
Helen Lorigan
Volunteer Coordinator
Stephanie Chopra
Operations Assistant
Zoe Sargent
Chair
Ewen Mitchell
Secretary
Sharon Eyre
Treasurer
Florida Yacob
Trustee
Whitney Clark
Trustee
Joyce Akpogheneta
Trustee
Nick Turk
Trustee
Will Hoyle
Trustee
Our Mission and Values
Cocoon, Care After Care exists to improve the quality of life for care-experienced young adults with a connection to the London Boroughs of Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow. We improve living conditions, support aspirations, reduce feelings of isolation and alleviate hardship. We strive to find ways of removing obstacles in the way of them having a good standard of living, fulfilling their potential, leading healthier and happier lives and able to participate in society, with the same chances and opportunities afforded to many non-care experienced young people.
Kindness
Kindness drives Cocoon, shining brightest in our Christmas Day Dinner: a celebration of community and compassion between strangers.
Empower
We empower care leavers to see their worth, support their choices, and ensure their voices are heard - recognising them as the experts of their own lives.
Connection
We combat the isolation many care leavers face by fostering genuine human connection — creating a sense of belonging that’s essential to well-being.
Approachability
We’re welcoming and open to new ideas, building trust and strong relationships with young adults, their networks, and the community.
Commitment
We're deeply committed to care leavers, always working to remove barriers so they can reach their potential and lead healthier, happier lives.
Inclusivity
At Cocoon, we ensure everyone feels safe to be their true selves. We're committed to supporting all care leavers and reflecting the diverse community we serve.