Olympic medallist Fatima Whitbread MBE to support launch of new Northamptonshire fund for care leavers
Northamptonshire Community Foundation will officially launch its new Pathways to Independence: Care Leavers Fund this Thursday (5th March), with special guest speakers Fatima Whitbread MBE and Gina Gardiner, Vice Chair of Fatima’s UK Campaign.
The new fund will support care-experienced young people aged 18–25 across Northamptonshire as they transition from care into independent adulthood.
The event marks a major milestone for Northamptonshire Community Foundation as it celebrates 25 years of inspiring local giving for local needs, while also looking ahead with bold ambitions for a fairer and more connected county.
The fund forms part of a national Care Leavers Programme backed by the Henry Smith Foundation, delivered in partnership with UK Community Foundations and the Local Authorities Mutual Investment Trust.
Northamptonshire Community Foundation has secured funding for the county, with local match funding set to increase the programme’s overall impact.
The Pathways to Independence Fund will provide grants to projects offering practical and emotional support to care leavers. This may include:
• Education and training opportunities
• Employment and career coaching
• Essential home equipment
• Wellbeing and mentoring support
• Life skills development
Care-experienced young people often face significant challenges when moving into adulthood, including housing insecurity, financial instability and limited support networks.
Fatima Whitbread MBE, a former world javelin champion, world record holder and twice Olympic medallist, has spoken openly about her own childhood experiences in the care system. She received the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023, which recognises outstanding achievement in the face of adversity. Through Fatima’s UK Campaign, she advocates nationally for improved support, confidence-building and opportunity for children in care and care leavers.
Joining her at the launch is Gina Gardiner, Vice Chair of Fatima’s UK Campaign. Together, they will take part in a discussion and Q&A focused on unlocking opportunity and strengthening outcomes for care-experienced young people in Northamptonshire and beyond.
Rachel McGrath, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, said: “This fund represents a significant commitment to care-experienced young people in our county. Practical help at the right moment - whether that’s funding for education, essential household items or access to mentoring - can make a transformative difference.
"We are honoured to welcome Fatima and Gina to Northamptonshire as we launch Pathways to Independence and shine a spotlight on the importance of giving every young person the opportunity to thrive.”
The launch event, being held at the University of Northampton, will bring together senior leaders, local authorities, charities and community organisations committed to strengthening support for care leavers across the county.
This year also marks 25 years of Northamptonshire Community Foundation supporting local communities, having awarded more than £24 million in grants since 2001.