Leeds Foster Carers Tackle Haircare Gaps for Children

Two foster carers from north east Leeds have launched a free hair and skincare initiative to support Black and dual-heritage children in care.

Eren Weekes and Marina Active have developed the ‘Revive’ packs to help foster families better understand and care for African and Caribbean hair and skin.

The friends, who have nearly 40 years of fostering experience between them, spent a year researching suitable natural products and putting the packs together.

Each pack contains shampoo, conditioner, body butter, a comb or brush, a spray bottle and either a satin bonnet or men’s durag.

They also include practical advice and details of specialist hairdressers and barbers across Leeds.

The initiative aims to address gaps in knowledge among carers while helping children feel confident about their appearance and cultural identity.

Eren, a grandmother of three who became a foster carer 12 years ago, explained why the project was needed.

“Young people of African and Caribbean heritage have specific hair and skin care needs that are often overlooked, not adequately recognised and using unsuitable products can lead to discomfort, damage and loss of confidence due to their appearance.

“We would often see young people whose hair hadn’t been looked after and other carers saying they don’t know how to do it properly.

“We wanted to put something together that was informative and non-judgemental. The packs give some background, history and understanding that our hair type is not the same and we can’t treat it the same.

“Providing appropriate products is not simply about appearance – it’s about dignity, wellbeing, inclusion and cultural respect and supports their self-esteem and sense of identity.”

The packs are being distributed to families across Leeds, with financial support from several council services and the Leeds Foster Carer Association.

Growing interest has also seen the initiative expand beyond foster families to children in residential care and those living with kinship carers.

The pair have even received enquiries from neighbouring local authorities across northern England.

Marina, 62, said: “It’s an intensive service we’re providing and we feel it’s necessary. We’re delighted they’re being so well-received.”

The initiative grew out of Care Leavers Second Chance, a community interest company established by the pair last year, which provides ongoing advice and support to young people leaving care across Leeds.

Both women are also members of the Leeds Black Foster Carer Support Group, which has helped organise a special Black History Month celebration.

The invitation-only Roots and Routes event, took place on October 10 and welcomed hundreds of people from foster families.

Activities were planned to include storytelling, workshops, fashion, music and guest speakers.

Other Black History Month activities included a special storytelling session at the Reginald Centre in Chapeltown, featuring Leeds illustrator Salomey Doku.

The session explored You Can Do Anything, Tyrone!, written by Sir Lenny Henry and illustrated by Doku.

Families attending were also given the opportunity to learn more about becoming foster carers.

Leeds City Council currently supports approximately 1,500 children in care and is seeking more foster carers, particularly from diverse communities.

Councillor Helen Hayden, the council’s executive member for children and families, praised the work of Eren and Marina.

She said: “Their ‘Revive’ packs will make a huge difference to the physical, emotional and cultural wellbeing of Black and dual-heritage children and young people in care and help create environments where they really feel seen, valued and respected.

“We have a strong community of over 700 carers but we urgently need more loving homes, particularly from diverse ethnic communities, to provide a stable, safe and family environment for children and young people in Leeds.”

People interested in fostering do not need special qualifications. They must be over 21, have a spare room and provide a safe, caring home.

Foster 4 Leeds offers training alongside emotional, practical and financial support for carers.