What is Care Day?

Care Day is the world’s largest celebration of children and young people with care experience, including those who are or have been in foster care, kinship care, residential care, or any other form of alternative care. Observed annually on the third Friday of February, Care Day aims to highlight and celebrate the rights, achievements, and potential of care-experienced individuals. It serves as a platform to advocate for positive change in the care system, raise awareness about the challenges these young people face, and encourage a more supportive and understanding approach to their needs and aspirations.

History and Origin

Care Day was initiated by the charity organization Become in the UK, along with similar organizations across the UK and Ireland, as part of the Five Nations Care Leavers’ movement. The first Care Day took place in 2015, growing out of a collective desire to recognize and support the care-experienced community more effectively. It has since become an annual event, with activities and celebrations organized not just in the UK and Ireland but around the world, bringing together care-experienced individuals, their supporters, and advocacy groups.

Who Celebrates Care Day?

• Care-Experienced Individuals: Young people and adults who have experienced life in care are at the heart of the celebrations, sharing their stories and achievements.
• Child Welfare Organizations: Charities, NGOs, and other organizations working in the field of child welfare and care participate in and often organize events for Care Day.
• Social Workers and Care Professionals: Professionals involved in the care system support and take part in Care Day activities, acknowledging their role in the lives of care-experienced people.
• General Public: The wider community is encouraged to engage with Care Day to learn more about the experiences of those who have grown up in care and how they can offer support.

Slogans and Themes

Care Day centers around themes of empowerment, belonging, and change. Slogans like “Celebrate Care,” “Voices of the Care Experienced,” and “Together, We Can Make a Difference” reflect the day’s focus on unity, recognition, and advocacy for improvements in the care system.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

While there are no specific colors or symbols universally designated for Care Day, imagery that conveys support, unity, and hope is often utilized. Visuals may include interconnected circles, helping hands, and heart symbols, representing the care and support network surrounding care-experienced individuals.

Most Used Hashtags

• #CareDay
• #CareExperienced
• #ProudToBeMe
• #WeLove

How to Celebrate

• Share Stories: Care-experienced individuals are encouraged to share their stories and achievements to inspire others and bring to light the realities of living in care.
• Attend Events: Participate in or attend events organized by child welfare organizations, including workshops, panel discussions, and social gatherings.
• Advocacy and Awareness: Use social media and other platforms to raise awareness about the needs and rights of care-experienced people, advocating for policy changes and better support systems.
• Support Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with charities and organizations that work to improve the lives of care-experienced young people and children.

Care Day is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and potential of care-experienced individuals. It’s a day to celebrate their achievements, advocate for their rights, and work towards a future where every child and young person in care receives the support and opportunities they need to thrive.