Since Sheldon became involved in the Care Experienced Young People’s project Joining Up Joining In at Leicestershire Cares, she has shown remarkable personal growth. When she first joined, she was a quiet, reserved young woman, visibly affected by social anxiety and lacking confidence.
Reflecting on her past, Sheldon shared:
“My life was quite tedious and boring before, I didn’t do much other than study and sleep. My confidence was really bad back then. I didn’t have any friends either really.”
She started attending the Joining Up Joining In sessions, which focus on amplifying the voices of care-experienced young people and influencing policy change. Over time, she began contributing her views and speaking openly about her experiences in care. She shared her story, reflected on how the group had shaped her, and began pushing for change.
“Joining the JUJI group has helped skyrocket my confidence as I feel finally listened to and I have made great friends which made me feel worth something.”
Sheldon
Over the course of the year, Sheldon has thrown herself into numerous opportunities and initiatives, particularly working with the Leaving Care Team and the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Team. She has taken on the role of Events Marshal alongside four other young people within the SEND project. This has not only strengthened her organisational and teamwork skills but also given her a genuine sense of belonging. It has allowed her to step into her own, embrace new challenges, and let her true personality shine through.
Her involvement with Leicestershire Cares has been wide-ranging. From participating in creative sessions such as music production and podcast-making, to attending women’s empowerment groups and helping with marshalling duties at events. Sheldon has explored many aspects of herself and her capabilities. Her confidence and engagement have continued to grow steadily, and she has become a true ambassador for the power of youth voice and lived experience.
When asked about the Leicestershire Cares JUJI Group
“Thanks to these people I could shine like the sun”
Sheldon
One of her biggest achievements to date has been being offered a seat on the Leicester City Council’s Young People’s Council. This role gives her the chance to represent the views and interests of young people across the city in key decision-making processes. It is a significant position of influence and a testament to how far Sheldon has come in such a short space of time.
Throughout her journey, she has also engaged positively with a number of our business members, building strong connections and gaining valuable insights into the world of work. Her upbeat and charisma have not gone unnoticed, and she has worked with our business members including Everards, Nelsons Solicitors, Hinckley and Rugby Building Society, and Leicester High School for Girls. These experiences have helped her develop a stronger sense of self-worth and shown her just how much she has to offer.
Another standout moment in Sheldon’s journey was when she spoke at the Violence Reduction Network conference—a major achievement, especially considering the social anxiety she once battled with.
Her confidence and authenticity made a powerful impression. In addition, she has taken part in Leicestershire Cares’ Power to Change community partners meetings, where she spoke about her involvement in a film created by the Juji Group. The film aimed to explore and share the real-life experiences of young people in care, and Sheldon’s contribution was both heartfelt and impactful.
“Being part of the organisation has helped build my trust in authority and proved to me that it’s never too late to change for the better.”
Sheldon
Currently, she’s contributing to My Care Journey, a new publication that will share the stories of care-experienced young people.
Recently, Sheldon was offered a role at the Department for Work and Pensions, starting in July. She’ll be based at the Jobcentre, acting as a first point of contact to ensure people receive the right support.
“I’ve learned people skills, confidence, public speaking and that it’s okay to make mistakes when you have people around you to help you through it.”
Sheldon
Sheldon’s progress is a true testament to what can be achieved when young people are given the space, encouragement, and trust to grow. Her journey stands as an inspiration—not only to other care-experienced young people but to all of us who believe in the power of listening, supporting, and empowering youth voice.