North England
Horateo’s Next Chapter: Building a Future
When you meet Horateo, the first thing you notice is his determination. Behind his calm confidence lies a story of transformation, one marked by courage, compassion, and a dream to create change for others.This November, as we celebrate National Care Leavers Month, we’re honouring young people like Horateo who are stepping into adulthood with strength and purpose.
Finding Safety, and Finding Himself
When Horateo first entered care, just shy of five years ago, life felt uncertain, new homes, new rules, and new faces at every turn. But everything changed when he met his guardian, Hayley.
“She was nurturing – she made me feel settled,” Horateo shared. “At first, it was only meant to be a weekend, but it turned into something permanent. I was lucky. My old social worker let me call Hayley, and she had a spare room. That’s where everything started to feel like home”.
From that moment, the pieces began to fall into place. The journey wasn’t easy, court hearings were delayed, and emotions ran high, but eventually, Horateo and Hayley received the news they’d been waiting for: a full care order.
“We were all like, ‘hooray!’” he said with a grin. “It took a while, but it was worth it”.
Discovering His Purpose
Now 18, with his long-term care order in place and Hayley still firmly by his side, Horateo is turning his lived experience into something extraordinary. He’s currently studying for his Level 1 qualification in Early Years, already planning his next steps into Level 2. But his ambitions stretch far beyond qualifications; he dreams of opening a school with Hayley, one that specializes in supporting children with special educational needs.
“My background’s mainly in SEN,” he explained. “I’ve done work experience in a specialist provision and learned so much. I want to build something that helps other young people – a place that understands them”.
Lessons in Resilience
Horateo’s journey hasn’t been a straight path. There were moments of frustration, challenges at school, and lessons learned the hard way.
“I’d tell my younger self not to walk out of lessons as much as I did,” he laughed. “And not to almost break the glass door at school, I had 100% attendance before that!”.
For him, growth isn’t just personal, it’s something he wants to pass on. “You can do anything when you put your mind to it,” he said. “There will always be people there to back you up”.
A Voice for Change
Horateo’s wisdom goes far beyond his years. For young people leaving care, he offers powerful advice:
“Talk to people about how you’re feeling. If things aren’t working with your Social Worker or PO, speak up – have that conversation. And don’t leave things to the last minute. Plan for your future. There’s always someone who can help”.
He knows first-hand how vital support networks can be, from foster carers and social workers to teachers and friends; all helping young people find their footing in the world beyond care.
A Future Filled with Promise
Today, Horateo stands on the threshold of adulthood with a quiet strength that comes from everything he’s overcome. His story is one of transformation, from uncertainty to purpose, from being cared for to wanting to care for others. He’s a reminder of what’s possible when young people are truly seen, heard, and supported.
“When I think about the future,” Horateo said, “I just want to keep moving forward – helping others, making a difference, and seeing how far I can go”.
We couldn’t be prouder of Horateo as he steps boldly into this next chapter, surrounded by love, admiration, and unwavering support from everyone at Compass.
