Care experienced young person and community come together to publish book

“I have something to say – we all do.”

With these words, 18-year-old Courtnay set the tone for an emotional and inspiring book launch at Grimsby Town Hall this week. The young author, who has grown up in the foster care system, unveiled her debut work, Dear Younger Me: A Foster Care Story, a personal and heartfelt account of her experience in care. The launch was a celebration of voice, resilience, and the power of community.

The project began as a diary and transformed into something ‘much bigger’ as the book launched this week. Surrounded by friends, mentors, community leaders, and those who have supported her journey, Courtnay stood proudly as she shared the story behind her story.

Courtnay said at first she wrote the book for herself, but soon realised how much her story resonated with people.

Courtnay began writing the book in 2021, originally as a private journal. At the time, she had no intention of sharing it publicly. But with encouragement from the Voice and Influence team at North East Lincolnshire Council, writing became a way to process, reflect, and ultimately, empower others who have shared similar experiences.

Recognising the power of her voice, the team connected Courtnay with local arts organisation Lowercase Theatre, led by Matt Gray and Lisa February. With their support to shape her raw thoughts into a cohesive and impactful book, Courtnay was soon able to develop her narrative into a publishable format.

Matt Gray, who has worked closely with Courtnay for the past two years, shared his admiration for her courage and creative expression.

“We’ve had the privilege of working with Courtnay’s words which has been special. There’s been a lot of care to make sure that this book comes together in a really beautiful way”

The book found its home with La Luna Publishing, a local independent publisher run by Josie Moon. Known for championing community-based creative projects, Moon didn’t hesitate when approached about Courtnay’s manuscript.

“For me, these kinds of projects are what publishing should be about,” she explained. “It’s so hard for new voices to get heard in today’s publishing world. Having a local, independent press means we can bring meaningful stories like this to life—and I’m so proud to be part of it.”

The publication of Dear Younger Me was officially commissioned by North East Lincolnshire Council through its Voice and Influence team, who say that every foster home in the area will receive a copy, with the broader goal of distributing the book to care-experienced children across the UK.

Speaking at the launch, Courtnay described the process of writing—and eventually sharing—her book as both emotional and empowering.

“This book is for everyone who has been in care, or who is coming into care,” she said. “I want it to help them understand and reflect on their feelings. Writing gave me a way to make sense of my experiences, and I hope it can do the same for others.”

She also acknowledged the team who supported her from the beginning: “Everybody has the ability to write a book, but not everyone believes they can, or has the support to finish and publish it. I was lucky—I had people like Pippa, Matt, Lisa, and Josie by my side.”

The launch event was opened by Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services at North East Lincolnshire Council, who praised Courtnay’s courage and the potential impact of her work.

“I am so proud of Courtnay and all she has achieved,” Matson said. “To share such personal experiences so honestly takes tremendous bravery. The difference she will make to other young people in care, just by speaking her truth, is monumental.”

She added that Courtnay’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to young voices. “Their voices should always be at the heart of everything we do,” she said.

The initial publication of Dear Younger Me is just the beginning. North East Lincolnshire Council is already looking at ways to expand the book’s reach—both geographically and commercially. Discussions are underway to make it available for purchase in local bookstores, and there are ambitions to distribute it nationally to children in care.