This year’s Black History Month may be over, but honouring Black Britons who champion social work and honour our communities doesn’t stop in October. Meet Ashley John-Baptiste, a care-experienced broadcast journalist and author. Discover his story, and the many other individuals we’ve spotlighted this year.
Who is Ashley John-Baptiste?
Ashley John Baptiste is a BBC broadcast journalist and presenter who grew up in South London in the 90s. He was a member of the band, The Risk, on ITV’s X Factor before he quit to pursue a career in media. From here began a successful career as a broadcast journalist.
Difficult truths
Ashley describes his time growing up in the care system as unstable. He was placed in 4 foster families between the ages of two and eighteen, spending an additional two years in a residential care home. These constant changes throughout his early childhood meant he struggled with his education, sense of belonging and individuality.
Ashley met his birth mother for the first time when he was 10 years old, learning she was a care leaver herself. Whilst he didn’t have the chance to meet his father, he learnt he had four older half-brothers on his father’s side. This was a shock for Ashley – his social workers had told him from a young age that he was an only child.
Ashley faced further difficulties during secondary education, resulting in several suspensions. It was around this time that things started to change – when he was offered the chance to visit the Sutton Trust at Cambridge University Summer School. This was when he realised he could take responsibility for himself and that he had the potential to succeed.
A change in perspective
Ashley’s perspective started to change. With support from his then foster family, alongside hard work and a personal drive, he won a place at Fitzwilliam College and graduated with an upper second in 2011. It was in his twenties that he also recognised faith and its impact on his sense of worth and mindset.
Today, Ashley continues the fight for a better care system. His wrote a book, Looked After, on his experience growing up in the British care system. He also mentors other students from similar backgrounds. He also led a government-commissioned report on care leavers, alongside social worker Clare Chamberlain.
His fight is a powerful reminder that those exiting care are left “with no safety net and with catastrophic consequences”, and an urge for the government to increase support for care leavers leaving home at 18, who deserve the stability and guidance needed to navigate adulthood.
His story is an inspiration for care leavers and young people in care. Despite the challenges he’s faced, his resilience and determination is evidence of what empowerment can do for care leavers – but care leavers cannot and should not do it alone.
There is much work to be done, to support children in care and make sure they have the safety, stability and opportunities they need to thrive.
Thinking of fostering?
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