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In episode two of But We All Shine On, Paolo Hewitt and Paul Anderson-Walsh talk to Dr Jim Goddard, Chair of the Care Leavers Association.

Jim Goddard is an expert on the care system and currently serves as the Chair of The Care Leavers Association. Jim and his brother spent their childhood in children’s homes in Liverpool and Birkenhead, before moving into a family group home that was meant to replicate family life but was marred by a “randomly violent” care worker.

Through it all, Jim remained academically successful, enjoying the sanctuary of libraries, and eventually going on to university — a rare achievement for someone from the care system at the time. Jim has also become a historian of the care experience and is working on a book about the history of the care system since 1945.

As Chair of The Care Leavers Association, Jim has been involved in campaigning for the rights of care leavers, including lobbying the government for improvements to the care system and helping individuals access their care files. His dedication to advocating for the welfare and well-being of care leavers continues to make a significant impact.

In a wide-ranging and enthralling conversation, Jim talks about his journey through the care system, the history of care, his academic success, and his work for The Care Leavers Association helping people access their care files.

For more information about accessing your care files: https://www.careleavers.com/what-we-d...

For more information on The Care Leavers Association: https://www.careleavers.com/

Follow Dr Jim Goddard on X: https://x.com/JimGoddard1

With thanks to Andres Albert at Tileyard Studios, Kings Cross.

Theme music by Michael Head and the Red Elastic Band.

May we all shine on.

www.butweallshineon.com