BCP care leaver turns 25 after driving change for young people

A BCP care leaver who helped change how children in care are treated during some of the hardest moments of their lives is marking a major milestone this year.

Ivy Forest, now aged 25, remembers having her belongings packed into black bin bags as she moved between homes as a child in care — something she says made her feel “disposable”. Today, she’s working at BCP Council as a Housing Options Officer apprentice, helping families, children and young people stay in safe, stable homes and avoid the disruption she experienced growing up.

Ending “bin bag moves” in BCP

Ivy played a key role in ending the use of bin bags for children in care locally — a change often referred to as ending “bin bag moves”. Now, young people coming into care are provided with a proper bag such as a suitcase, duffel bag or rucksack, helping ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.

Ivy said:
“When I was younger… all our belongings would be put into black bin bags. It made us feel like we were being thrown away all over again.

“Now, every young person coming into care is given a proper bag… something that shows they matter.”

Supporting families to prevent homelessness

As part of her apprenticeship, Ivy works with the Housing Options team in Early Help Homelessness Prevention, supporting families to stay in their homes or move in a more planned way — reducing the need for B&Bs or temporary accommodation, which she says can have a major impact on a child’s mental health.

A decade of using her voice to improve services

Ivy’s journey of influencing change began at 13, when she took part in Willow’s Story, a drama project exploring the realities of life in care. The project was performed to council leaders, social workers and members of the judiciary, helping decision-makers better understand how choices affect young people.

That early involvement led to years of work improving services. Ivy later became co-chair of the Corporate Parenting Board alongside Cllr Richard Burton, helping to lead meetings, shape decisions and represent the voices of other young people in care.

She has also mentored younger children, contributed to service development, and supported training and recruitment — helping embed lived experience across children’s services.

“From corporate child to corporate parent”

Cllr Richard Burton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at BCP Council, praised Ivy’s impact and growth in confidence, saying she has been an inspiration and a strong voice for others.

He said Ivy has “gone from being a corporate child to a corporate parent”, putting children at the heart of everything she does.

Kelly Deane, Director of Housing and Communities at BCP Council, also said she was proud to see Ivy flourishing and making a positive contribution as part of the team.

What’s next for Ivy

Outside of work, Ivy enjoys nature, loves animals and is passionate about musical theatre. She’ll celebrate turning 25 this summer by seeing The Waitress at the Bournemouth Pavilion.

As she moves into this next stage of her life, Ivy is stepping back from her role as a young person shaping children’s services — but plans to continue giving back as an adult volunteer.

A short film has also been created to mark her milestone, celebrate her achievements, and challenge stereotypes — highlighting what care-experienced young people can achieve with the right support, stability and opportunities.