Spotlight on Gemma Creamer

We were lucky enough to catch up recently with Capstone Care Leavers Trust recipient, and FosterTalk Care Leaver of the Year nominee, Gemma Creamer ahead of the live awards on Thursday 22nd September at 4pm over on the FosterTalk Facebook page. And when we say lucky, we really mean it, because Gemma’s schedule is a busy one these days.

Committed to turning her own experiences into positive outcomes, Gemma is determined and driven yet puts herself across with a charm and passion that well exceeds her years. In fact, when we spoke to her, Gemma had just finished her morning manifestations – visualising her successes for the day. And it seems that it is working, there doesn’t seem to be a sight this young person can set that she doesn’t make her own.

To use her own words, “Turn adversity into advantage.”

Gemma seems to be doing just that, as she journeys into her third year of university, embarking on a career as a barrister, having also recently landed a coveted legal placement as part of her studies, she is also co-founder of the Beyond charity. A charity which supports those leaving the care system. Gemma uses every opportunity to use her own experiences to help those in care.

Indeed, from Gemma’s point of view there is much to improve about the care system – a cause this young person is dedicated to. However, Gemma is keen to recognise the work of organisations like the Capstone Care Leavers Trust, whose vital grants supports those care leavers who are just starting to make their way in the world independently.

Gemma comments, “When I was in touch with Zoe from Capstone Care Leavers Trust, I loved that she was always focused on the positive, she always had my back and really fought my corner.”

As Gemma entered her third and final year of university her laptop had broken, which prompted her to approach the Trust for support. “As I was going into placement,” Gemma continued, “it was important to me to have the right equipment. Zoe really got this, she worked hard to get me the contribution to my desired Apple Mac book and also obtained me vouchers, so that I could buy clothes suitable for court.”

“Zoe from Capstone Care Leavers Trust was excited about my aspirations and supported me one hundred percent. The Trust award isn’t just about funds, but also about giving a young person confidence. ”

The contributions from the Trust meant so much to Gemma that she jumped up and down with joy when she received the email. She has only good things to say about her experience with Zoe and Capstone Care Leavers Trust, they are all small steppingstones helping her way on to her larger goal. And the nomination FosterTalks Care Leaver of the Year? The icing on the cake. As Gemma remarked,

“It was so nice to be recognised, you don’t expect it, my passion is to help those leaving care. So, something like this always takes you by surprise.”

Please join us in supporting Gemma and all of the other nominees at The FosterTalk Awards 2022, on Thursday 22nd September at 4pm over on their Facebook page here.

If you would like to know more about the Capstone Care Leavers Trust click here, or if you would like more information about Gemma’s charity, Beyond then follow the link here.