I was placed into care at the age of 8 with my sister. We were separated from our brothers. This time in my life was a very challenging one that has shaped me into the person I am today. My siblings and I, have experienced what it is like to be in care and missing out on our culture. Simple things like our cuisine, visiting the gurdwara and even just speaking in our native language. Our Dad was a very proud Sikh and distilled these values in us. Not being able to be in touch with our roots was something we found very diffcult and confusing at that young age. Children that have experienced care will know there’s a stigma attached to us. With the right guidance and mentoring a child in care can achieve highly. From not going to school and missing out on my education due to the neglect. I thought I wouldn’t be able to be achieve but my sister and I went onto achieve degrees in our respective areas. Some may see this as a norm but for a child coming from care it is a big achievement! I am very passionate about this project and I know we can work together to create a better future.

Consultant Solicitor and Director of an Events & Production Company. Mandeep is the President & founder of The Sikh Games and Chairs The Professional Women’s Interfaith Network. She advises the Mayor of London and helps organise the GLA’s Sikh events. Mandeep is one of the Co-founders of Khalsa Fostering and helps with the legal and structural framework of the organisation.