Neil Pithouse

Thousands of unpaid miles travelled across the country. Thousands of young people spoken to in our care system. Hundreds of conferences, standing on stages calling for change. Countless hours away from my family, but they understand why I do it. They understand what we're fighting for and why this movement matters. Numerous TV interviews highlighting the crisis in our care system, when I should be celebrating the incredible achievements of young people leaving care, thriving in our communities and building successful futures. For years, I've dedicated my life to fighting for change. Not for recognition, not for applause, but because I know what happens when the system fails the very children it's supposed to protect. I'm making a personal appeal to the Prime Minister. Please consider making care experience a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. This isn't about politics. It's about equality, protection and ensuring that young people who have experienced care are never disadvantaged simply because of their childhood. How many more young people must suffer before we finally act? I don't want to spend another decade talking about what's wrong with our care system. I want to spend it celebrating everything that's right, the incredible people working within it and the young people who deserve every opportunity to succeed. We cannot afford to lose another generation of young people waiting for change. The time to act is now.