The Power of Belonging

Finding Strength in Togetherness

Welcome back, and thank you for continuing this journey with us.

In our previous blogs, we’ve talked about breaking stigma, amplifying voices, and fostering resilience in young people in care. Today, we want to focus on something fundamental to all of us: the sense of belonging.

For children and young people in care, feeling like they belong can sometimes feel out of reach. Moving between homes, navigating new schools, or being separated from familiar faces can create feelings of isolation. But at Indicare, we believe that every young person deserves to feel connected—to people, to places, and to a community that truly supports them.

Let’s explore the importance of belonging and how we can create spaces where young people feel valued, understood, and at home.

Why Belonging Matters

Belonging is more than just being included—it’s about being accepted for who you are. It’s knowing that you matter, that you have a place where you can grow, thrive, and be yourself.

For young people in care, the lack of a stable environment can make it difficult to feel this sense of connection. Moving between placements or feeling “different” from their peers at school can lead to loneliness and a belief that they don’t fit in anywhere.

Without belonging, it’s hard to feel safe or to build trust in others. That’s why fostering a sense of belonging isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential for helping young people heal, grow, and flourish.

Creating Supportive Environments

At Indicare, we work to ensure that the spaces young people live and learn in are more than just functional—they’re welcoming, supportive, and empowering.

During our Regulation 44 visits, we take the time to observe and listen. Are the children feeling included in decisions about their home? Do they feel like their opinions matter? Is the environment helping them build positive connections with the people around them?

Belonging isn’t something you can force—it’s built over time, through genuine care, consistent support, and meaningful relationships. That’s why we advocate for homes and care teams that prioritize not just physical safety, but emotional safety, too.

Building Peer Connections

One of the most powerful ways to foster belonging is through peer relationships. Having friends who truly understand your experiences can make all the difference.

Many young people in care feel isolated at school because they’re treated differently or feel that others don’t “get” what they’re going through. That’s why we encourage creating opportunities for young people to connect with peers who have shared experiences—whether through group activities, care leaver networks, or mentorship programs.

These connections can help young people feel less alone and remind them that they’re part of a wider community. They can share stories, advice, and encouragement, creating bonds that help them navigate the challenges they face.

Honouring Identity and Culture

Belonging also means feeling seen and respected for who you are. For young people in care, especially those from diverse cultural backgrounds, this can be a significant challenge if their identity isn’t understood or celebrated.

At Indicare, we work to ensure that children’s cultural, religious, and personal identities are not only acknowledged but embraced. This might mean ensuring that their care homes reflect their traditions, supporting them to access community groups, or simply asking the right questions to understand their preferences and values.

By honouring their identity, we help young people feel proud of who they are—and show them that they have a place in the world just as they are.

Stories of Belonging: Small Moments, Big Impact

Sometimes, a sense of belonging is built in the smallest moments. Like the first time a young person feels confident enough to speak up in a group setting. Or the moment they’re invited to join in on an activity and realise they’re truly included.

One young person we worked with shared how much it meant to have her cultural heritage acknowledged during a care home celebration. “It was the first time someone had asked about my traditions,” she said. “It made me feel like I mattered—not just as a kid in care, but as me.”

It’s moments like these that remind us of the incredible power of belonging.

How We Can All Foster Belonging

Creating a sense of belonging for young people in care isn’t just the responsibility of care providers—it’s something we can all contribute to. Whether you’re a teacher, a social worker, a neighbor, or simply someone who wants to help, here are a few ways you can make a difference:

• Listen Without Judgment: Take the time to understand young people’s experiences and show them that their voice matters.

• Encourage Participation: Include them in decisions, activities, and opportunities that help them feel valued and involved.

• Celebrate Individuality: Acknowledge and honor their unique identity, interests, and culture.

• Be Consistent: Build trust by showing up, following through, and being a steady presence in their lives.

Belonging is the Foundation

At the heart of everything we do at Indicare is the belief that belonging is the foundation for growth. When young people feel connected and valued, they’re more likely to thrive, to take risks, and to believe in their own potential.

As we continue our journey, we’re committed to creating spaces where every young person feels they truly belong—because no one should ever feel like they’re on the outside looking in.

Together, We Can Create Belonging

Thank you for standing with us as we work to build a community of care that values every child and young person. If you have a story to share about belonging, or if you’d like to join us in creating spaces where young people feel supported, please get in touch using the email Thomas.kelly@indicare.co.uk

Together, we can create a future where every child feels they have a place to call their own.

Until next time, let’s keep building a world where belonging is for everyone.