Leeds Foster Carers Launch Afro-Textured Hair Care Support

October 7, 2026 Off By

New initiative aims to improve care for Black and dual-heritage children

A pair of experienced foster carers in Leeds have developed a resource to support better hair and skincare for children in care with Afro-textured hair. The initiative addresses a recognised need for greater awareness and appropriate products to meet the specific needs of Black and dual-heritage children in the city’s fostering system.

Eren Weekes and Marina Active, who together have nearly 40 years of fostering experience, spent a year researching and assembling natural hair and skincare products into what they call ‘Revive’ packs. These packs are now being distributed to foster families across Leeds with funding from Leeds City Council’s Foster 4 Leeds team and support from other local children’s services and foster carer associations.

Contents and purpose of the ‘Revive’ packs

The packs include:

Shampoo and conditioner
Satin bonnet or men’s durag
Comb or brush
Spray bottle
Body butter
Detailed guidance on hair care
List of specialist barbers and hairdressers in Leeds

Eren Weekes, a former youth work manager and grandmother, explained the importance of recognising the unique hair and skin care needs of African and Caribbean children. She said that using unsuitable products can cause discomfort, hair damage, and affect children’s confidence and self-esteem. The packs aim to provide practical support alongside cultural understanding, promoting dignity, wellbeing, and inclusion.

Expanding reach and community involvement

Initially intended for foster children, the packs are now also being provided to children in residential care and kinship carers. Interest has extended beyond Leeds, with inquiries coming from neighbouring authorities in northern England.

The initiative is linked to the community interest company ‘Care Leavers Second Chance’, which offers ongoing advice and support to care leavers in Leeds. Both carers are members of the Leeds Black Foster Carer Support Group, which is collaborating with Foster 4 Leeds to hold a fostering community event called Roots and Routes on 10 October. This event coincides with Black History Month and will include workshops, speakers, storytelling, fashion, and music for around 250 foster families.

Black History Month activities in Leeds

Foster 4 Leeds is organising several activities during Black History Month to celebrate the heritage and contributions of the Black community. These include distributing books that highlight Black British stories and culture, donated by the community interest company Out Of Many People.

A Storytime session will take place at the Reginald Centre in Chapeltown on 10 October at 11am. Hosted by Leeds illustrator Salomey Doku, the session will feature the book You Can Do Anything, Tyrone!, written by Sir Lenny Henry. The event also offers an opportunity for families interested in fostering to learn more from the Foster 4 Leeds team.

Fostering in Leeds: current needs and support

Leeds City Council currently supports around 1,500 children in care. Like many areas nationally, there is an ongoing need for more foster carers, particularly from diverse ethnic backgrounds, to help children remain in family settings close to their communities.

Marina Active, who currently fosters teenage girls, highlighted the rewarding nature of fostering and the positive impact carers can have on young people’s lives.

Councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for children and families at Leeds City Council, praised the foster carers’ work and encouraged those interested in fostering to get in touch. She noted that there are various fostering options available to suit different lifestyles, including respite, emergency, short- and long-term care, and kinship care.

No special qualifications are required to become a foster carer. Prospective carers must be over 21, have a spare room, and be able to provide a safe and caring home. Foster 4 Leeds offers emotional, practical, and financial support as well as ongoing training for carers.