A HEREFORDSHIRE care leaver has represented the county at a national event to promote change in the care system.

Mariam Njeri joined more than 100 care-experienced young people who travelled to Parliament to speak directly with decision-makers about what needs to change in the care system.

This "day of action" is part of the #ItsOurCare campaign and happened in the wake of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, which was published in May.

Become, the charity for children in care and care leavers, said on its website: "The social care review presents an opportunity for radical reform.

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"Listening to the views of those with lived experience is crucial to ensure the right changes are made to the care system."

Miss Njeri, who writes a regular column for the Hereford Times, was at the event on behalf of Hereford care leavers and said: "I was privileged enough to represent Hereford's care leavers and was invited to Parliament for the campaign.

"As someone who loves politics, I was elated to have this opportunity.

"We need to challenge and change this culture of children having to fight for basic necessities."