After18 was founded in 2013 in response to the number of unaccompanied young people in Leicester who were asking for support. Children as young as 11 have been travelling to the UK alone (without their family) fleeing war and persecution in their home country.
As children can not be returned to an unsafe place they are allowed to remain in the UK while they are a child.
Once a young person turns 18 they face many challenges. Many are expected to return to unfamiliar cities in their country while those allowed to stay must learn how to adjust to living in the UK. After18 works to support young people to transition into adulthood and prepare for their future.
The image below was created by a young person to show their journey to the UK.
