Matthew Huggins Joins our Board of Trustees

Campaigner, entrepreneur and champion of children’s rights Matthew Huggins, whose childhood was spent in care including five years at The Caldecott Foundation has joined our board of trustees.

Commented Matthew: “Caldecott had a huge impact on my life – in fact, I’d go so far as to say that it saved my life. If it wasn’t for Caldecott, I wouldn’t have achieved the success I have today.

“I have accepted the invitation to join the trustees, because I want to be able to give something back to the organisation. In particular, to help ensure that Caldecott children are given the very best opportunities to maximise their own talents, and help them achieve their own goals in life”.

Matthew, 29, went into care after suffering at the hands of an abusive stepfather. He came to Caldecott in 1992 after unhappy experiences at other care homes, which he has vividly chronicled in ‘I’ll Love You If…..’, his first book which was launched at the Houses of Parliament last year.

After leaving care, he worked his way up from jobs in burger bars to salesman, charity and youth worker. Aged just 21, he became Britain’s youngest elected councillor when he won a seat on Barking and Dagenham council.

Today he is chief executive of Care Matters Partnership, an organisation providing advice on children’s matters to government, local authorities, private companies and the voluntary sector.

Angus Fraser, chair of the Board, said: “We are delighted that Matthew is joining our board. With his wide knowledge of the care sector and deep commitment to promoting the interests of children and young people, he has an important contribution to make as a trustee at an exciting time in the Foundation’s history”.