Labour councillor Helen Hayden has welcomed a Leeds initiative providing free hair and skincare packs for Black and dual-heritage children in care, developed by two local foster carers.
Foster carers Eren Weekes and Marina Active developed the Revive packs after identifying gaps in awareness about caring for African and Caribbean hair and skin.
The packs include suitable products, grooming equipment and guidance, alongside information about specialist local barbers and hairdressers.
Reaching children across the care system
Support from Leeds City Council’s fostering and children’s services teams, and the Leeds Foster Carer Association, has helped get the packs to families. They are also reaching children in residential care and kinship households.
Hayden, the council’s executive member for children and families, said the initiative would support children’s wellbeing and help them feel valued and respected.
Appeal for more foster carers
She also appealed for more foster carers, particularly from diverse ethnic communities. Leeds supports around 1,500 children in care and has a community of more than 700 carers.
The initiative accompanies Black History Month activities, including the invitation-only Roots and Routes fostering event on 10 October.
