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Fiction featuring Care Experience

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Mr Potter

Jamaica Kincaid

2002

Mr Potter (2002) by Jamaica Kincaid is the story of a man who grew up in foster care on the island of Antigua in the Caribbean.

The story is told by one of Mr Potter's many unacknowledged girl children, Elaine Cynthia Potter, in a strange, repetitive, incantatory, and compelling manner.

Roderick Potter (1922-1992) dies quite well off financially, having long been a chauffeur before he saved enough money to set himself up in business. According to his daughter, he couldn't read or write.

It was Roderick's mother who put him into foster care with the Shepherds - before she drowned herself - and Mr Shepherd who taught Roderick how to drive.

Children and young people in social care, and those who have left, are often subject to stigmatisation and discrimination. Being stigmatised and discriminated against can impact negatively on mental health and wellbeing not only during the care experience but often for many years after too. The project aims to contribute towards changing community attitudes towards care experienced people as a group. See glossary HERE


Website set up with support from The Welland Trust 

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