"Deeply moving": Children in care writing competition winners announced

Inspirational care-experienced young people have been celebrated for their creative writing at an annual award ceremony.

On Friday, charity Coram Voice announced the winners of Voices 2025, its national writing competition for children in care and young care leavers.

The ceremony was hosted by TV presenter, author and inspirational speaker Ashley John-Baptiste, who himself is care-experienced, at the Kimpton Fitzroy London alongside former Voices competition winner, Ira Hakim.

Now in its ninth year, the Voices competition, featured poems described as “masterful” and “emotionally rich” by judges including Baroness Lola Young and children’s author Patrice Lawrence.

“The competition is proof that there is immense untapped talent and that every child in care should dream big. It has been an honour to read their words and see so many young people performing live,” host, Ashley John-Baptiste, said.

The theme of this year’s competition was ‘My Voice’, and 25 children and young people were shortlisted across four age categories: primary (age 4-10), lower secondary (age 11-14), upper secondary (age 15-17) and care leavers (age 18-25).  
  
‘My Voice’ by Aymen, aged 9, won the Primary category, described by judges Patrice Lawrence and Deborah Maclaren as “an awesome, bright, imaginative piece full of wonder and emotion.”

“We loved how the writer compares their voice to the sun with a positive, hopeful and clever use of metaphor that runs throughout the whole poem. We are sunstruck and delighted to announce this young writer as the winner of the primary category”.

Elizabeth, age 12, won the Lower Secondary category with her piece ‘My Voice: a journey from silence to song’.

Judges Emma Norry and Callen Martin described it as “an incredibly profound and beautifully written piece.”

“At just 12 years old, the writer shows a level of emotional maturity and insight that is truly remarkable. The title ‘A Journey from Silence to Song’ is stunningly metaphorical, capturing the transition from uncertainty to self-acceptance in a way that will deeply resonate with many care-experienced individuals. The writing skilfully portrays the duality of emotions — belonging and longing, silence and voice — with great sensitivity. The final line, ‘A voice that tells the world I am whole, I belong, and I will always be heard,’ is an incredibly powerful expression of hope, identity, and strength.”
Mateo, age 17, won the Upper Secondary category with his piece ‘at last, he speaks’.

Judges Kirsty Capes and Jordan Morgan said: “This poem is deeply moving and thought-provoking. Their use of metaphors, repetition and imagery is striking and really emphasises the poem’s emotional depth and raw honesty. The judges agreed that it should be shared with professionals across the sector to help them understand the impact of trauma, and the huge amount of work that is necessary to begin the healing process. The writer has clearly been brave enough to embark on this journey themselves, and it is an honour that they have shared this with us in such a raw and emotive form.” 

The winner of the Care Leaver category was Kerry, age 20, with ‘The voice inside of me’.

Judges Baroness Lola Young and Chris Wild said the piece was “intelligent, original, and beautifully crafted.”

“The rhythm and rhyme flowed effortlessly, enhancing the emotional weight behind each word. With a poetic and layered approach, the writer explored voice in a way that felt both original and deeply intentional. The imagery was striking, the structure strong, and the sense of self unmistakable. This was a moving and masterful journey through language—one that left a lasting impression on everyone who read it. An exceptional piece, full of heart and skill.”  

Brigid Robinson, Managing Director of Coram Voice, said the creative writing submissions “show us what is possible when children and young people are given the opportunity to use their voice and be heard.”