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Oscar nominee and Bafta winner Barry Keoghan has been hailed as an inspiration by young people who have come through the care system. The Banshees of Inisherin star, who spoke openly about her experience in foster care as a child, has been praised for helping break a stigma by sharing her story and rising to the top of her profession. People leaving care can face multiple obstacles in life, including disrupted parenting and prejudice, said Katharine Sacks-Jones of the charity Become.
She said this can often lead to mental health issues, homelessness after leaving care, and people not in education, employment or training.
Four young people who have completed higher education told their experience to the PA news agency.
Keoghan's success is "huge" for those leaving care, said Kim Emenike, who was in care at age 10.
The 25-year-old Londoner said it was "imperative" that people share their stories to address the "negative perception" of people in care.
She said: "When someone with care experience is nominated for that (an Oscar) it's very important in our community because it just says, 'Listen, you can kill it in whatever industry you're in.' If it's about the creative arts, if it's about dance, if it's about academics, whatever, you can reach the pinnacle of your career."
Now working as a civil servant, running her own bakery, and advocating for youth, Ms. Emenike found herself facing adversity.
She studied for her A level while living in a hostel and homeless during summers in college with no family to support her.
She said: "It's really hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But when you hear stories like that, it's a light and it motivates you because you think, 'Okay, if he can do it, I can do it. I can be the best version of me. And that definitely pushes you and motivates you.
Jessie Stringer-Fewtrill said it's only been in the last few years that she's felt comfortable being open about her experience as a caregiver, but now she channels that experience into her work.
The 30-year-old from Manchester was also cared for when she was 10 and is now a self-employed seamstress, as well as an art technician at school. He also leads artistic projects with disadvantaged youth.
She said: "I think it's really inspiring and encouraging to hear that someone with a background in caregiving has been nominated for an Oscar.
"I mean, we start life with the odds stacked against us, so it's really reassuring to hear those success stories.
"I feel like it can help channel our pain into power and help motivate us to pursue our dreams."
The Fashion Design with Marketing graduate said a story like Keoghan's is encouraging and that it's "good to have these conversations to raise awareness and reduce the stigma that people growing up in care can face."
Trainee lawyer Joseph Brennan praised Keoghan's "resilience," noting how he coped despite the instability he encountered moving between foster homes.
The actor, who was later raised by his grandmother after his mother's death, recalled the difficulties of such movements in his youth, but said that it made him stronger and more "solid" in life.
Mr Brennan, 29, from County Armagh but living in Dublin, said he benefited from stable, long-term foster care.
He said: "It really shows the individual resilience that Barry was able to show by pursuing a career like acting where nothing is guaranteed. He's definitely an inspiration to all young people, especially a former foster kid."
“I highly doubt that the average person in care with the same level of disruption will have the same resilience and confidence that Barry displayed. Her care experience, having been translated into various internships, represents for me a failure of the care system that is unfortunately too widespread.
Kevin McKenna, 23, from Newry but living in London, said people who have been detained shouldn't have to use this as their identity when they are "so much more".
The senior, who is studying politics and international relations at the University of Greenwich, met politicians, visited Downing Street and worked at a summer camp in the United States with dependent children.
He said: “Being in foster care becomes your identity, as there are so many more youth in care, as my 11 years of volunteering in the youth sector show.”
Regarding the successes of the people who have been cared for, he added: “It's good to hear the positive end of things and to hear the positive stories of where people have come from and I think it's even more important to hear from people like me. and Jose. stories, where you're embedded in a family and you have those kinds of meaningful connections and you're not moving all the time.
Ms Sacks-Jones said: 'The experienced caring community is incredibly inspiring and we know they can achieve amazing things in life, especially with the right support. That's why we want every child in care to receive the love, stability, and security we all need to thrive. Congratulations to Barry Keoghan on his Bafta win and we wish him every success at the Oscars. »
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