Talented care leaver Kyle Simmons encourages others follow their dreams

7 June 2010

Growing up without a stable home can be challenging for any young person, and leaving care, launching yourself into adult life with no family to back you up, is a daunting prospect. We hear a lot about the failures of those care leavers who end up in prison, on the streets, or with chronic mental health or drug problems. We hear much less about those who are determined to overcome their difficult start in life and make something of their lives.

One such care leaver is Kyle Simmons. Kyle 'Kay.Jaye' is a 21 year old currently studying at the prestigious East 15 Acting School in Southend. His first single 'Keep Dreaming', released today, is a message of hope for the 90,000 children who pass through the care system each year to boost their self confidence and inspire them to aim high.

The single has been promoted with the aid of a professional video, funded by the ITV Fixers programme. Kyle (21) grew up in care and by his own admission had a very difficult childhood. Kyle says:

"Children in care are almost the hidden forgotten community. You don't hear about anything in the news about their stories. They go untold whether it's physical, mental or sexual abuse. There's so many stories I haven't told, so many others who haven't told their stories, and stories get left in the dust. Most are frightened to say their stories. To be honest they're frightened what people will think of them."

Kyle hopes to raise awareness of children in and leaving care with his video and use it to help educate social workers and other professionals to think of looked after children as individuals rather than 'cases' and statistics. The song, and the message are sure to make a big impact, however Kyle is not just a 'care leaver made good' he is an outstanding performer in his own right and his talent and determination will take him a long way.

Despite surviving on a student's budget, Kyle is determined to give something back to other children who have faced the same kind of difficulties. He is donating half of the profits from his new release to The Care Leavers Foundation and other children's charities. Kyle's song 'Keep Dreaming' has also provided the title and theme for this year's National Care Leavers' Week which takes place in October and he will be performing at the first National Care Leavers' Awards in London.

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