The founder of FABRIC: The Care Leaver Community, based in Swansea and Neath in Wales has called on local businesses for donations, in order to continue to provide loving homes for children in care.

Harri Helvon-Hardy founded FABRIC in 2016. The business provides loving homes to young people aged 16+ who are either Looked After Children, Care Leavers, Homeless young people or Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children, with additional trauma informed support.

Last week, she took to LinkedIn with a post which portrayed the stark reality of working in social care in 2022.

Harri said: “Right now I feel like the most incapable business owner and charity funder in the UK, ironically weeks after being announced as one of the most inspiring female entrepreneurs.

“I’ve kept going, kept fighting, kept two 365, 24/7 staffed homes for children in care despite their mounting costs and cuts in funding.

“One of our homes needs extensive work doing and there just isn’t the finances.”

The post was seen by 7,900 people and 24 hours later, messages began to come in from Austin Bailey Foundation, Aurora Gas (Swansea), Kier Construction and Pobl Group, all offering assistance. Along with large donations of furniture from Swyft Home, flooring and doors from DCW group and endless messages of support from across the country.

Harri Helvon-Hardy, Founder of FABRIC: The Care Leaver Community: “I know I speak on behalf of all the team at FABRIC when I say we are endlessly grateful for all the offers of help and suggestions we have received so far. People are so kind!

“It is crucial for large businesses to consider donating to smaller purpose before profit social organisations like FABRIC, who really need their help right now. We’re not out of the waters yet, the pandemic has massively affected us, but FABRIC was built on the foundation of people wanting to help me in achieving my vision to make a difference to young people in care, and this week people have ensured I still have that fire in my belly to continue my vision!”