Championing Change: Fatima Whitbread MBE at Derby Theatre’s Culture Cares Conference

A sporting icon and Olympic medallist, Fatima’s personal journey is as inspiring as her professional achievements. Abandoned as a baby and raised in the care system, she has since become a tireless advocate for those with similar lived experience. Through her charity, Fatima’s UK Campaign, she has worked closely with care-experienced individuals, professionals, and sector leaders to co-author a white paper calling for urgent reform to the care system. 

From proposing a new minister for children in care, to extending statutory support to the age of 25, Fatima is calling for systemic change—and using her platform to amplify the voices of young people who often go unheard. 

Her presence at this year’s conference brings a unique and powerful perspective on resilience, representation, and the transformative potential of creative expression. As we explore the role of arts and culture in supporting care-experienced young people, Fatima’s story reminds us of what is possible when belief, opportunity, and community come together.

Read her interview here:

• This year’s Culture Cares Conference focuses on how arts and culture can create positive pathways for care-experienced young people. What does this theme mean to you personally, and why did you want to be involved in this event? 

“It means everything. Growing up in care, I didn’t have access to many of the things children outside the system take for granted—whether that’s consistent emotional support, creative outlets, or encouragement. I know from my own life how powerful it is to find something you’re good at and passionate about. For me, it was sport. For others, it’s the arts. Culture can give care-experienced young people a voice, a purpose, and a chance to believe in themselves.”

• You’ve spoken powerfully in the past about your experiences growing up in care. How do you think creative expression—whether through sport, the arts, or storytelling—can support healing, confidence, and opportunity for care-experienced young people?

“Creative expression gives young people a way to make sense of what they’ve been through, especially when words are hard to find. It’s also a chance to be seen and celebrated for who you are—not just your trauma. Confidence builds when you’re encouraged, when someone believes in you. And often, it’s through creativity that young people first experience that spark of belief.”

• Why do you think it’s important for people in the care system and the arts world to work together more closely?

“Because together, they can open doors that have been shut for too long. The care system can feel institutional—often reactive rather than empowering. The arts offer a completely different environment: imaginative, expressive, and transformative. Bringing these worlds together helps make sure care-experienced young people aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving.”

• You’ll be talking about part of your life at the Culture Cares Conference. Is there a part of your journey that you hope really speaks to the people in the room? What do you hope people—like teachers, artists and care workers—take away from the conference?

“I hope they take away the understanding that potential is everywhere. I spent 14 years in a children’s home, and it was only when someone took the time to see something in me that I began to believe in myself. I want people in the room to leave knowing they could be that person for a young person in care—the one who makes the difference.”

• If you could change one thing to help care-experienced young people in the UK, what would it be?

“I’d make sure being a care leaver is recognised as a protected characteristic. It’s time we stopped pretending that leaving care is the end of the story—it’s often just the beginning. We need long-term support, not cut-off points. Every young person deserves to step into adulthood with a safety net.”