Chris's story
18-year-old Chris Bevan is a talented musician who has been supported by Barnardo’s.
He is currently working with the Children’s Rights Team.
His latest composition, Music for the Youth – Dream Big, has played at the annual Care Leavers Conference in Leeds.
It is available on CD and features on You Tube.
Chris says:
as a young composer myself, supported by Barnardo’s, I feel that young people should leap at every positive opportunity that comes your way and use your talents to fuel a better future.
The Young Songwriters Competition is an amazing and exciting chance to make a real difference, not only in your life, but in the life’s of disadvantaged children."
Chris was four years old when he went into care
Born in Leeds, Chris lived with his mum and dad, older brother and younger sister. But a difficult family situation led to all three children being taken into care.
His love for music was encouraged and at 13 he was given the lead in the school play, The Little Shop of Horrors. He started singing lessons in school, joined the choir and various bands with friends. At age 14, Chris was amazed when his gran bought him a piano. The piano was placed in Chris’s room and he was given piano lessons, paid for by the home.
Chris worked hard at school and went on to get A Levels in Geography, Geology and Drama. He can play piano at Grade 7 level and sings at Grade 8. These achievements paint a different picture than that of the majority of care leavers who very often are unable to fulfill their potential at school due to other issues in their lives.
Chris was put in touch with Barnardo’s Futures that has experience in helping young people who are leaving care.
Chris is now working for Barnardo’s before he goes to University in Plymouth later this year.