Full Details
Quilts for Care Leavers (Q4CL) is a UK based charity providing ‘quilted hugs’ to young people aged 16–25 who are leaving or have recently left care. We work with a large network of volunteers who create handmade quilts to gift to care experienced young people across the UK.
We were founded in 2018 to offer a quilted hug to guests attending the Gold from the Stone inspired Christmas Day Dinner events. Since then, we’ve been increasing our reach and we’ve now gifted around 8,000 quilts to care experienced young people.
Through gifting the quilts, we aim to provide comfort, a sense of belonging, and a tangible reminder that someone cares during what can be a challenging transition to independent living.
Our Offer to Care Leavers
- A handmade quilt for care leavers – You can receive a high-quality, handmade quilt, created by volunteer makers and gifted as a personal item to support you into your new home, and providing that hug
- Choice and dignity – Wherever possible, you choose the quilt you like, ensuring the item feels personal and meaningful
- Emotional wellbeing support through comfort items – Quilts are intended to provide comfort, reduce anxiety, and offer a sense of warmth and security during your transition to independent living
- Nationwide reach through partnerships – Quilts are distributed via local authority Leaving Care teams, universities and colleges, and charities supporting care leavers, ensuring broad accessibility across the UK
Delivery of the Offer
- Quilts are provided free of charge, but donations are always welcome
- Distribution is coordinated through professionals working with care leavers (e.g. personal advisers, support teams & partner organisations)
Availability is ongoing throughout the year, with additional gifting often aligned to key moments such as festive periods or transitions into independent accommodation
Next Steps
- We can accept referrals from personal advisers or support teams working with care leavers. Please submit an enquiry form here . Please note, we do not need or ask for personal information.
- To learn more about Quilts 4 Care Leavers, please visit our website q4cl.org.uk
