Who we support
Cocoon, Care After Care exclusively supports 'care-experienced' young adults. In particular, we support young adults who are living in, studying in or were looked after by the London Boroughs of Richmond, Kingston or Hounslow. We will carefully consider all applications however our grant-making is primarily targeted at care leavers aged 21+ who have no recourse to any statutory support or alternative sources of funding.
What does being 'care-experienced' mean?
'Care-experienced' young adults, or care leavers, have spent all or part of their childhood in the care of their local authority because they were not able to live with family. There can be a number of reasons why a child or young person cannot remain at home - abuse, neglect, parental illness, the death of one or both parents, abandonment, 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 experience multiple moves throughout their time in care.
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Many care leavers have experienced trauma and instability as children, 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.
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Cocoon, Care After Care is committed to supporting care leavers to live and thrive, not just survive.
Making an application
If you are a care leaver, or someone who supports a care leaver, and would like to make an application for practical or financial support, please email applications@cocooncareaftercare.org.uk.