Ashley John-Baptiste
@AshleyJBaptiste
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BBC Reporter & Presenter | Enquiries - jo @talent4media .com | Pre-order my debut book ‘Looked After’ - link in bio 👇🏽
Insta: ashleyjbaptiste
Joined January 2010
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Hi everyone. I am delighted to share that my debut book, Looked After: A Childhood in Care, will be published by
@HodderBooks
in June ‘24. About my time care, I hope it shines a light on the system. Amazed & humbled to have a book on the way. ❤️ Pre-order now. Link in bio💫👌🏽
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When I collected my A level results, I’d just left foster care & was adjusting to living alone in a council flat. No family to celebrate with. Deep isolation. No “well done” lunch. Shout out to all the care experienced ppl collecting results today. Be proud. What a triumph. ❤️👊🏽
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After England’s semi-final win on Wednesday, one fan told me he feels “every black and minority player is one bad game away from racial abuse”. He wasn’t wrong.
#EURO2020
#Euro2020Final
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My doc on sibling relationships in the care system is out tomorrow on
@bbcthree
@BBCiPlayer
& will be covered on
@BBCNews
I’m nervous. It’s an important one but also v revealing. A HUGE thanks to the best team:
@BlancaMuMar
@TheAnisaSubedar
@KimRowellTV
@GerardGroves
and more 👊🏽
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2 days ago my wife gave birth to our beautiful daughter. The level of care from NHS staff was spectacular! I was unreservedly thanking every worker I encountered at the hospital. This is my shout out to them on Twitter 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
#ThankYouNHS
#ClapForOurCarers
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Recently been sent this clip of my daughter reacting to seeing me on TV. Amazing & overwhelming. Not gonna lie… all the feels rn 👌🏽👌🏽
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Here I am - a BBC reporter / presenter with BAFTA winning actress & writer
@sophiewillan
. We’re both care experienced. Whilst some stigmatise and write off care exp. ppl as damaged beyond repair - we and so many other care experienced ppl will continue to rise & smash it 👊🏽
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In care I thought I was an only child. In my 20’s I find out via a FB msg that I have siblings. 2020, I bump into a brother for the 1st time by coincidence. This has led to a film about the state of sibling relationships in the care system. Prod by a great team. Out 26th Jan 👊🏽
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In 2010 I’d recently left the care system & was terrified at the idea of adulthood. Back then I had NO idea that I’d work in broadcasting & would thrive as a young adult. Point is - you don’t have to be limited by your background. Happy 2020 peeps. Make this year count 👊🏽
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The reaction to our documentary has left me a bit stunned. Our film shines a light on a care system that, at times, fragments & breaks the bond of siblings. Thank you BBC News for investing in this story. Here’s the link to the full doc. Please watch 👊🏽 -
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These siblings were split up in care & didn’t see each other for 8 yrs. They were reunited through a Xmas dinner put on for care leavers. This yr scores of Xmas dinners are being held for care leavers thanks to
@lemnsissay
. Catch my report about it tomorrow on
@BBCBreakfast
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My first girl was born during the first covid lockdown & my second girl arrives as Russia invades Ukraine. Today I’m grateful for the basic freedoms I can enjoy with my girls. Oh, and a BIG thanks to the NHS! 👌🏽👌🏽
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London state school secures 41 Oxbridge offers - which includes a black foster child getting a place at Oxford to study law 👏🏽👏🏽🔥
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Today marks 5 months since the Grenfell Tower fire & these four people are former residents I’m in touch with. They’re all still homeless.
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I’m always reluctant to share clips of my girl on Twitter. But I just got sent this clip of her reacting to seeing me on telly this morning & I cannot resist sharing!! That feeling of my seeing my daughter’s reaction never gets old… 👌🏽👌🏽❤️
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Saskia is care experienced and features in our doc. Lived without her brothers for years & is now a social worker. I am up in Manchester doing BBC interviews with her. She’s incredible and represents herself SO well. 👌🏽
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If someone had told me as a foster kid that I’d one day work as a BBC broadcaster & speak at award events - I’d have disbelieved it. It’s easy to take the present for granted - but sometimes you’ve gotta stop, celebrate the wins & appreciate the growth. Here’s to a new week 👊🏽👊🏽
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Hello people! Following the response to our doc on iPlayer, BBC Three is giving it a TV slot over the next few weeks. 🎉 It will also run on the BBC News Channel this w/e. Glad this issue is getting the platform it deserves. Will give an update on timings when I’m allowed! 👊🏽👌🏽
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How do you get ready for uni when you can’t even afford a suitcase? Only 6% of teenagers who’ve lived in foster homes or care homes make it to uni. In my latest report for
@BBCNews
I explore why so few care leavers go to uni. Pls watch & share 👍🏽
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A care leaver stuck in uni halls because she doesn’t have a home to go to; another moved to a house with total strangers days after lockdown; a 20 yr old estranged from relatives & alone in a bed sit...Here’s my latest report on care leavers in lockdown -
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Always classy. Great interview with
@CliveMyrieBBC
in Sunday Times mag 👌🏽(may I possess a semblance of this swag when I pass 35…)
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Reading the tweets / responses of care experienced ppl to the
@JohnLewisRetail
advert has been flipping lovely. ❤️👌🏽
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Yep, my daughter’s born with that Caribbean rhythm 👌🏽👌🏽
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John Lewis putting the care experienced community at the heart of its Christmas ad…
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Well, it’s National Care Leavers week. Shout out to every care experienced person who’s had to navigate “the system”. The trauma of time in care can follow you well into adulthood - so well done to those who are here & making the best of life. The sky is the limit.👊🏽
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As a child I spent many Christmas’ in homes where I didn’t feel like I belonged. For many who’ve been in care, Xmas can be rough. Cos of my start, it was a joy to be at
#ShapingUs
@Earlychildhood
carol service celebrating those helping our youngest. It airs on tv, Xmas Eve 🎄.
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Really happy that tomorrow afternoon
@bbc5live
is dedicating a whole hour to discussing how care leavers are coping under lockdown. I’ll be live with Nihal & some care leavers from across the UK. If you’re care experienced pls tune in & get in touch 👊🏽
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Thanks so much to
@BBCTheOneShow
for having me present this special film and share a bit of my own story. I really hope that people learnt something - and that any looked after children watching were empowered.
The number of children being taken into care has risen by almost a quarter in the last 10 years.
@AshleyJBaptiste
investigates what's behind the rise.
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He introduced the power of words to so many of us. Made an English syllabus accessible to so many of us. Made us believe in the value & power of our own voice. A hero. Rest well. 🙏🏽
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I am grateful that these days, my Christmas’ are filled with love. But I can still viscerally recall certain years in foster care (& post care) where I felt deeply isolated. Here’s a note to all the care experienced ppl (& others) who might be dreading this time of year. Big ❤️.
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Big love to all the care experienced people & others who’ve had to grow up without a conventional “mum”. Hopefully you’ve still got incredible people that you can appreciate on a day like this.👊🏽👊🏽
#HappyMothersDay
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The idea that we should always be hustling is overwhelming. Working hard is important but recently I’ve been thinking on the importance of taking my time. Potential wasn’t meant to be fulfilled overnight - it’s ok to take time. No need to feel rushed by the accolades of others 👊🏽
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Here’s my newborn daughter watching her daddy on telly... 😭😭
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Morning guys. I’m proud of this article I wrote for
#BBCNews
- a very important issue that’s been made into a documentary. Pls have a read 👊🏽 -
Subnormal: The scandal of black children sent to 'special' schools
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I genuinely love chatting to & sharing with other care leavers. Someone I met a while back just sent me this msg on Twitter. What great news to wake up to 🙌🏽🙌🏽
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The incredible Samantha Morton dedicated her BAFTA to those who are care experienced. Incredible. The support she showed when I did my doc on siblings in care was a big surprise. She’s the real deal. A champion for so many. And as she says - representation matters. ❤️
#EEBAFTAs
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I mentioned that I’ve been following 3 black British freshers @ Cambridge uni, documenting their experiences over the past year. Well we’ve now edited a 25 min doc for BBC News. So proud of this film - which it airs next week. Stay tuned! 👊🏽
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Wow. An absolute moment speaking at the
#ShapingUs
symposium today. Will post some proper photos when I get a chance. One for the books.
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Been invited to speak at the Princess of Wales
#ShapingUs
Symposium - all about early years. It’s tomorrow. I’ll touch on my care journey & share insights from my BBC work on the care system & underserved young ppl. Glad I can harness trauma of my early yrs for such good use. 👌🏽
One day to go! Meet our
#ShapingUs
Symposium host and speakers! With talks from a range of thought leaders & a panel of experts covering their professional & personal experiences, it's going to be a brilliant day!
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I’m co-presenting a new
#BBC2
show peeps. An 8 part series about how modern Brits pursue spirituality - alongside the Rev
@revkatebottley
🙌🏽. Never done a project like it before 👌🏽 Starts this Sunday, BBC2, 13.50👊🏽
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Delighted that tomorrow you can catch my first ever film for
@BBCTheOneShow
- where I visit a modern day care home for looked after children. I’ll also be on the sofa afterwards to chat a bit more about the care system & my experiences. Tune in. BBC1, 7pm 👊🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
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A v obvious yet profound detail... that journalists can now call it the murder of George Floyd.
#DerekChauvinTrial
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Tier 4 obvs gutting news for many people’s Christmas plans - but for many who leave care, a Christmas spent alone is the norm.
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And this is a question… If the brain doesn’t stop developing until you’re 25 - how can care experienced 16 year olds, with all their hardship & trauma, be expected to actually live stable adult lives?
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Big day tomorrow (gulp!) It will be my first time presenting
@BBCTheOneShow
- alongside the brilliant
@angellicabell
! Looking forward to chatting with some great guests. Hope you can tune in🤞🏽👊🏽
We'll be here for you tomorrow on
@BBCOne
, 7pm, with
💫
@angellicabell
💫
@AshleyJBaptiste
💫
@IamTomWalker
💫 Rupert Grint
💫 M. Night Shyamalan
#TheOneShow
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Over the past year I’ve been following three black students at Cambridge Uni for a BBC News doc. Today was our last day shooting. It’s been a privilege documenting their experiences during a year like no other. They are resilience personified 👌🏽
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Our documentary was mentioned in the House of Commons today - in an important question raised by
@EmmaLewellBuck
about siblings in care. Surprised but also glad that our journalism is having this sort of reach.
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Sir Mo Farah was brought to the UK illegally as a child; his father was killed when he was four; he worked as a domestic servant & was fostered. His real name is Hussein Abdi Kahin. 🤯This is a must watch. The true story of Britain’s greatest ever track athlete…
“There’s something about me you don’t know.”
@mo_farah
Watch
#TheRealMoFarah
on iPlayer from 13 July at 9pm
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So my boi
@itsjungleboi
has only gone & released a single with
#Zayn
Malik &
@R3HAB
!! He’s an amazing producer & artist who’s been at it for years - so this is well deserved. 🙌🏽🙌🏽
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Humbled to have received this msg from someone on FB 👌🏽It’s the best motivation to keep moving forward 👊🏽👊🏽
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Seriously. To all the presenters, reporters, producers, crew etc. who have been holding the fort in
#Ukraine
, to keep us all informed about this depraved invasion… thank you! Some incredible stamina & courage being shown by SO many. 🙏🏽
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Please can people stop reposting/cropping racist tweets. It’s barely hit 9am. Don’t need to see that rubbish. Just report
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Since Oct 2019 I’ve been following 3 black Cambridge Uni freshers for a piece we’re doing on the black experience @ Cambridge. Today I’m filming with 1 of those freshers in his home & here he is with his Nigerian parents, getting ready for the new term. They are SO inspiring 👌🏽
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“…those taken into care face a loveless loneliness and a bleak future”? What an ignorant, short-sighted take on care kids. Peddling a v harmful stigma. No nuance or perspective. FYI, I was in a care home. I have love, community and my future is bright.
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As someone who didn’t have a personal representation of a good father - being a new dad can present a lot of insecurity. Yet here I am, with an incredible little girl who is flourishing. Shout out to all the dads that show up for their kids. Happy Father’s Day peeps 👊🏽
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All I’m saying is… the days of trashing of Sterling’s name needs to end. The guy has more than delivered.
#EnglandvGermany
#EURO2020
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Morning! Here’s our full film - “Being Black at Cambridge”. Pls do have a watch. A total team effort -
@karlenepinnock
@jhsfmama
@robtaylortv
. Other versions rolling out across BBC platforms later today 👊🏽
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My debut book LOOKED AFTER is editor’s choice in The Bookseller today (
@thebookseller
) - I’m extremely flattered. Comes out in June, but you can pre-order now via link in bio.
#LookedAfter
👊🏽👌🏽
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What did this Strictly final prove? That diversity & representation works, and resonates powerfully with audiences 👌🏽
Strictly Come Dancing 2021: Final watched by 11 million people
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Between the four foster families & care home that I grew up in, I can 100% say that - as a child - I NEVER had my sights set on working at the BBC.
BBC staffed by people ‘whose mum and dad worked there’, says Nadine Dorries
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Big love to every foster mum who’s making a difference. Happy Mother’s Day.
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Snap of me speaking at the Princess of Wales’
#ShapingUs
symposium earlier this week. To speak as someone with care experience to such an influential room felt important. 👌🏽
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This year marks 100 years of council estates - so I’ve written this piece for
#BBCNews
Online. Do have a read (I also touch on my own personal experience of living in a council flat). The piece is a total team effort - see end of piece for credits) 👍🏽
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Worked from home today. For lunch, took my 2 year old daughter to our local park, sat on a bench & had a “chat”. We counted all the red cars driving by. Bliss. Being present in the small things can be hard for me, but simple moments are 💯 the ones to treasure. For real👌🏽
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Less than two months now until my book comes out. Would love if you’d consider putting in a pre-order. Link in bio. Cheers! 🫶🏽
Hi everyone. I am delighted to share that my debut book, Looked After: A Childhood in Care, will be published by
@HodderBooks
in June ‘24. About my time care, I hope it shines a light on the system. Amazed & humbled to have a book on the way. ❤️ Pre-order now. Link in bio💫👌🏽
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Am still receiving so many messages following our film & will make the time to get through as many as poss - but I’ve just glanced this one on Instagram. Incredible stuff. 👌🏽👌🏽
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Hi people. Tonight our documentary Split Up In Care: Life Without Siblings is airing at 22.00 on BBC3 TV. If you haven’t seen it… get involved! 👍🏽
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So so chuffed to be back presenting Social Worker of the Year awards. Always inspired by the stories I hear. Let’s go! 💪🏽
@socialworkaward
#SWA2023
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Morning guys, I’ve been hearing from black men about the racism they experience in the UK. It’s vital their experiences are seen & heard. Please have a watch & do share if it resonates with you 👊🏽
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This looks like a must watch from
#BBCAfricaEye
👌🏽👌🏽
For the past year, BBC Africa Eye has been secretly investigating sexual harassment by lecturers at West Africa's most prestigious universities.
Stay tuned... 👁
#BBCAfricaEye
l
#SexForGrades
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Was great to meet & have lunch with Lord Simon Woolley today. First black man to be a master at a Cambridge Uni college & founder of Operation Black Vote. He also spoke about his journey as a child in foster care & then adoption. Inspired is an understatement. 👌🏽👏🏽
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To mark
#BlackHistoryMonth
, I want to acknowledge Lyndon. A black man & my key worker when I was in residential care at around the age of 8. He forced me to go school (significant cos other boys in home didn’t go). He’s impacted so many lives in care & 💯deserves a shout out.
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3 years since the Grenfell fire. Thinking of this community today 🙏🏽
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Went to a BAFTA screening last night for
@JimmyAkingbola
new documentary - about his time in care. Simply incredible. A compelling watch that will no doubt impact many. Glad to know there’s another care exp. bro in this media space.👌🏽👏🏽
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THREAD: As the political crisis continues in Venezuela - thousands have fled to the small island of Trinidad. It’s just 7 miles off the coast of Venezuela, making it one of the easiest places to reach. Watch our film to find out more -
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Honoured to have played a small role in covering this historic weekend with the BBC News teams. Grateful. 🎉
#PlatinumJubilee
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What a brilliant picture.
@vicderbyshire
giving a platform to a bunch of young black men to share their experiences and tell their truth. All done with sensitivity and class 👌🏽👌🏽
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Felt weird taking off my reporter hat and sharing a bit about my childhood in care for
@VictoriaLIVE
. Here’s a clip 👍🏽
‘I watched my foster mum get smaller and smaller as I was driven away - I was weeping.’
@AshleyJBaptiste
describes the trauma of having to move foster homes aged 8. He was moved multiple times as a child.
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The thought of living independently as a 16 yr old care experienced young person is scary, daunting and pretty much impossible for most... I left care at 18 & only felt remotely capable of “adulting” in my mid 20s…
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As a working class, comprehensive school educated, care experienced Cambridge graduate - I sincerely apologise for any private WOE I may have caused to certain individuals. 😉
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Listening to
@BBCr4today
. Brilliant coverage of different aspects of the care system. Guest editor
@lemnsissay
smashing it 👌🏽👌🏽
Here is Norman Mills, my final social worker. He was featured on BBC Radio 4 this morning.
He is NOT the social worker, also called Norman, who named me after himself. That was Norman Goldthorpe.
Norman Mills. A good man.
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I spent time with Grenfell resident Olu. I can say his story has been the toughest I've ever had 2 tell. Film below.
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As
#Stormzy
pledges £10mil to black British causes over the next 10 years, I’ve been speaking to black men about the racism they experience in the UK. Catch on
#bbcnewsten
now. BBC1 👊🏽
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I’ve been using my spare time to help organise -
@Be_Inspired_UK
- an inspiring virtual event for care experienced young people. Streaming later this month - we have special guest
#MoGilligan
. Register online for your free ticket & do spread the word. Info on our website 🙌🏽🙌🏽👊🏽
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Guys, can we all just recognise how great
#AlmasNotNormal
by
@sophiewillan
is. A remarkable comedy with a care experienced lead 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
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Little baby is 2 months old & already the drippiest in the family 😍
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At 18 my foster parents said they couldn’t look after me cos they couldn’t afford it. I moved into a council flat months before university. It was intense & nearly stopped me from going uni. It’s well known that many foster parents let 18 year olds go cos they can’t afford it.
Zahawi dismisses calls for national allowance for Staying Put carers
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Today LinkedIn alterted me to the fact that I have now been at the BBC for 5 years!! It all started with a
@_CreativeAccess
internship 🙌🏽🙌🏽Glad for all of the hurdles, growth & opportunities. (Insert cheesy pic...)
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