A young person from Suffolk has been raising money to support individuals living in care.
20-year-old Kailum Roper from Ipswich set up a bake sale to raise money to buy bags and rucksacks for young people who don’t have permanent homes.
He set up the charity fundraiser as he is aware of the trauma associated with not having your own bag having been through the care system himself.
He explains: “Most people going into care have all of their belongings in bin bags and it’s not a nice feeling. It makes you feel like trash. So, to get a rucksack or holdall makes you feel more connected and permanent. I was passed around foster placements and I had to use bin bags – so it felt better to have your own bag. We have managed to get 30 bags as part of a college campaign and the money we raise from the bake sale will help further.”
Kailum created the charity effort with fellow classmates on a Future Proof course that he is studying on with Eastern Education Group.
The short course aims to help young people gain employment.
Caitie Etheridge is a skill for Employment lecturer at Eastern Education Group. Shre co-developed the course with Charlotte Gardiner. Caitie said: “We launched the course on 1 May 2026. I think more courses like this are needed. Within the course, students have to do a teamwork module and Cailum decided to set up a charity bake sale to help people who have been in the care system – and he and his team have been incredible. They have raised over £250.00 and they have been inspirational and I’m very proud.”
In terms of doing the course, Kailum continued: “We do a six-week course and aim to get a job at the end of this. Personally, I’ve been out the system for five years and my message to others in that situation is that you will get there. My time at Eastern Education Group has gone really well. I’ve made friends and connections. My dream is to be happy and in a place where I don’t have to worry.”
Kailum has now successfully passed the course and he has applied to join the army.
