Grimsby teenager releases book based on experience in foster care
18-year-old Courtnay detailed her account and journey through the system
A teenager from Grimsby has written and published her own book outlining her experience of the care system.
Courtnay, aged 18, began writing her book, titled "Dear Younger Me, a Foster Care Story", together with North East Lincolnshire Council.
As it had initially began as a diary, Courtnay soon began to use the book as a means to share her story - and eventually, felt the time was right to release it to the public.
The book was officially published at a ceremony at Grimsby Town Hall earlier this week, with members from the council there to support the teenager.
Josie Moon, publisher from La Luna, said of the book: "For me, these kinds of projects in publishing are really important, it’s very difficult for people to find publishers today.
"Having a local, independent publishing house means that these kinds of projects can be brought to life in a really meaningful way and I’m really proud to be part of it."
Courtnay said that she was excited to share her story, and dedicated it to everyone who had a similar story to her.
"This book is to everyone who has been in care or who in coming into care to help them understand and reflect on their thoughts and feelings about what has happened," she said.
"Everybody has the ability to write a book, but not everyone has the belief they can write one or the support from the right people to pursue finishing it and publishing the book.
"I was lucky to have the support from Pippa, Matt, Lisa and Josie to write and publish my book.”
North East Lincolnshire Council hope to have the book be made accessible with a copy available at every foster home that comes under their control, with the goal being to share it across every foster home in the country.