STAR Network: Empowering Young Women Leaving Care
The STAR Network is a bold, youth-led initiative developed by Hounslow Action for Youth (HAY) in collaboration with care-experienced young women. It is designed to transform the post-care landscape by replacing fragmented services with a holistic, peer-driven support system that empowers young women to become architects of change in their communities.
A Vision of Radical Support and Leadership
At its heart, the STAR Network is about trust, creativity, and accountability. It offers a co-created space where young women lead the way designing services, shaping policy, and building a vibrant community of support. While HAY holds legal and financial responsibility, the network is guided by the voices and visions of its members.
What We Do
- Mentoring & Peer Support: Long-term mentoring relationships (1–2 years) help young women build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.
- Creative & Cultural Projects: From arts and heritage to sports and environmental initiatives, the STAR Network provides diverse opportunities for expression and growth.
- Youth Enterprise: We run enterprise Workshops and events that equip young women with entrepreneurial skills and broaden their horizons beyond socio-geographical boundaries.
- Systemic Change: The STAR Network is not just a service it’s a movement. By positioning care leavers as system designers, we aim to influence policy and reshape how support is delivered.
Our Spaces
We host events and workshops in inspiring venues like Upstairs at Brixton, creating safe, welcoming environments where young women can connect, collaborate, and thrive. A corporate membership allows us to use these spaces year-round, supporting both our programme delivery and youth enterprise initiatives.
Governance & Collaboration
To ensure transparency and shared understanding, we’ve developed a collaborative agreement that outlines roles, responsibilities, and boundaries. This helps balance youth leadership with the governance requirements of a registered charity.
Join Us
Whether you’re a young woman leaving care, a potential partner, or a supporter of youth led change, the STAR Network welcomes you. Together, we’re building a future where care experienced young women are not just supported they are celebrated, empowered, and leading the way.