Care-experienced speaker and campaigner Sam Gardner will visit Wrexham this November to share his powerful personal journey through the care system, helping audiences better understand the experiences of children growing up in care.
Lessons From The Care System LIVE – Wrexham, will take place at Wrexham University, Plas Coch Campus on Friday, November 20, 2026 (scroll down for full details). Drawing on his own lived experience, Sam’s talk explores what life can feel like for a child in care and the difference that adults’ everyday actions, language and relationships can make.
Having grown up in care, and later becoming a teacher, Sam offers a unique perspective on the role trusted adults can play in helping children thrive. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, foster carer or community member, you’re welcome to attend and learn more about the experiences of children growing up in care.
The event will also feature a Foster Wales Wrexham information stall, where attendees can speak directly with the local fostering team and learn more about the different ways they can support children and young people in their community.
Over the last few years, Sam started sharing his experience of growing up in care on TikTok and Instagram, where he has built a combined audience of 46,000 followers, with his videos reaching hundreds of thousands of people. He was recently featured on the BBC reuniting with his former schoolteacher, who helped shape his life.
Through storytelling and practical insight, his talks encourage audiences to reflect on how small moments of understanding, stability and compassion can have a lasting impact.
Sam said: “I’m grateful to the foster carers who supported me to become the person I am today and I hope that by sharing my story, children growing up in care feel valued and understood and it inspires others to come forward to care.”
Cllr Rob Walsh, lead member for children’s and family services, said: “I am very happy to welcome Sam to Wrexham and would encourage anyone who has questions about the care system, or has ever wondered if they could care for a child, to come and hear Sam’s story.
“Foster parents help shape the futures of children and young people, each one brings their own valuable life experience. If you feel that you can offer a stable and caring environment for children and young people, come to us to see how we can work together.”
[A spokesperson for] Foster Wales Wrexham said: “We are delighted to be joining Sam in Wrexham. His lived experience provides invaluable insight into what children and young people in care need from the adults around them.
“The event is a fantastic opportunity for people to learn more about fostering, ask questions and understand how they could make a difference to a local child’s life. We hope anyone who has ever considered fostering will come and have a conversation with our team.”
Foster Wales Wrexham will be available before and after the event to discuss fostering opportunities and answer questions about supporting local children and young people.
Event details
📅 Friday 20 November 2026
🕘 Doors open: 9am
🎤 Talk: 9:30-11:30am
📍 Wrexham University, Plas Coch Campus, Mold Road, Wrexham, LL11 2AW
🚗 Free parking available
🔗 Book your place: Lessons From The Care System LIVE – Wrexham Tickets, Wrexham University – Plas Coch Campus, Wrexham | TryBooking United Kingdom
People interested in fostering can also visit the Foster Wales Wrexham information stall during the event to find out more and speak informally with the team.
