Help Portsmouth teenagers like Emily fly solo after leaving care

Having lived many years in care, Emily was facing an uncertain future. As she had to face up to leaving the care system she had nobody to support her, give her confidence in her abilities and inspire her to make the most of her life.

That was until she was put in touch with Flying Solo, a Portsmouth-based charity which is now looking for people to support its fundraising event at the end of this week to help people like Emily.

Flying Solo was set up by care leavers for care leavers. Through a variety of projects, it offers support, encouragement and financial assistance for those who are about to begin their adult lives with no family to fall back on or care what happens to them.

This includes through providing mentors, running activities and away days, giving latest advice and guidance and providing a dedicated helpline.

Emily said: “Flying Solo has helped me believe in myself because they have believed in me.

“It is a real comfort to have the support from a charity set up by people just like me and to see all of those people donating to the charity that also believes in us. It is helping me to become independent and encouraging me to aspire and achieve.’

Flying Solo’s fundraising event is at the Village Hotel in Cosham this Friday (October 28) from 6.30pm to late. It promises an evening of fun, laughter, food and music. The dress code is ‘black tie with a twist’ with guests encouraged ‘to come along dressed in your best, but wear what you like (... within reason)’.

The cost is £60 per person, of which £5 goes towards paying for a care leaver’s place at the event. The charity is also looking for anybody who wishes to help sponsor all or part of the event.

A spokesman for the charity said: ‘By supporting this event, how many unknown gems can you help unearth for today and tomorrow’s community?’

For more details contact [email protected]