THE chief executive of a Redruth charity for young people in care has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Mari Eggins has worked for Carefree Cornwall since its inception 25 years ago, during which time it has offered support to young people aged 11 to 25 with care experience, in areas ranging from friendship and to housing and higher education.

While her honour came “a huge shock” and had to be kept under wraps until the official announcement, Redruth-born Mari was able to share her news with one and all on Murdoch Day (Saturday, June 13).

“I’m obviously honoured and flattered,” she said, “but this award is absolutely for all the young people I have worked with, and my amazing team.”

Carefree Cornwall began as “a bit of an idea” when Mari and her civil partner Debbie became foster parents to two daughters. “The atmosphere at the time wasn’t as advanced as it is today; there was more discrimination and bullying,” Mari recalled. “Talking to other young people and their foster carers, we felt services on offer for young people in care were good, but very much adult to child-based.

“There was a gap - the children were telling us they felt isolated, and wanted to make friends with other young people who understood what it felt like to be in care. So Carefree was going to be like a youth club: something jolly in the summer, then maybe meeting weekly for a catch-up.”

The organisation developed in partnership with BF Adventure in Penryn, and within two years had its own charity number. It has since moved towards campaigning and delivering support in areas including employment, higher education and housing issues for care leavers.

Early intervention is key: “Young people who get it are 95 per cent less likely to need intensive housing support, and 80 per cent less likely to need intensive employment support.”

In 2016, Carefree Cornwall was awarded Cornwall Council’s tender for its Engagement and Participation service to encourage young people in care to join activities and make friends. It subsequently became a strong campaigning voice, with young people contributing to the council’s Corporate Parenting Board twice a year, influencing how it develops the care system.

“I feel very proud,” said Mari, who is also chair of governors at Redruth School. “Thousands of young people, well-wishers, professionals, donors – all have helped us become the amazing charity we are today. I see this OBE as an acknowledgement of Carefree’s impact on Cornwall and the care system across the UK.

“Several of our young people are actively involved in national campaigns for better outcomes for children in care and care leavers. That is a huge credit to them. I’m collecting the OBE, but they are doing a lot of the work.

“The vast majority are of young people in care and care leavers are resilient and brave. They have dealt with all kinds of changes and complexities to become amazing young people with degrees and fantastic jobs, and I am privileged to work with them.”