Rupert

When Rupert was young, his grandmother Emma stepped in to raise and give the support he needed when his mother’s mental health challenges prevented her from caring for Rupert full time. Today, Rupert is thriving, running a growing creative media business, travelling internationally for work, and building a promising career in film and visual effects.

A family stepped up

Rupert has lived with his grandmother Emma, alongside his aunt and uncle, for most of his life. While the arrangement may look different from a traditional family set-up, Rupert says it simply felt normal to him. "I never really thought about it any differently," he explains. "It was just my family, the same as for anyone else."

Emma became Rupert's legal guardian under a Special Guardianship Order, giving him the secure foundation he needed while ensuring he could continue growing up surrounded by people who knew and loved him.

Although Rupert's mother now lives in supported accommodation because of her mental health needs, he maintains a close relationship with her and sees her regularly. He speaks about her with warmth and understanding, recognising both the challenges she faces and the importance of keeping those family connections.

Growing up with support

Like many young people in kinship care, Rupert's experience wasn't always straightforward. However, he credits the support of his family and friends with helping him navigate challenges and pursue his ambitions.

Emma's support has come in many forms — emotional encouragement, practical help, and sometimes financial assistance when needed.

Whether it is collecting him from a coach station after a work trip, offering feedback on his latest creative projects, or simply providing a home he can always return to, Emma has remained a constant source of support.

"She's always supportive," Rupert says. "When I show her my work, she'll tell me honestly what she thinks. Sometimes she critiques it, but she's usually right."

Turning passion into a career

Rupert's passion is filmmaking, visual effects and creative storytelling. What started as an interest just a few years ago has rapidly developed into a professional career.

After gaining valuable work experience through a media company he connected with while studying at Gloucestershire College, Rupert discovered both his talent and his passion for the professional industry. What was meant to be a month's placement turned into nine months of hands-on experience because the company recognised his potential.

Today, Rupert works as a director and visual effects artist, and co-owns a creative agency with friends based in both the UK and Finland. The agency creates commercials,, music videos, and handles post-production such as editing, visual effects and colour grading for clients. His work has required significant investment in specialist equipment and opportunities, but Rupert has been determined to make it succeed.

"Everything has been moving really fast," he says. "I've only been filming professionally for around two years, and it's already taken me this far."

Looking to the future

Rupert has ambitious plans to grow the agency with his business partners. But, despite the opportunities ahead, he remains grounded and grateful for the people who helped him get there.

While career success is important to him, Rupert is equally passionate about helping others. Inspired by the work experience opportunities that helped launch his own career, he hopes to one day create pathways for other young people entering the creative industries. "I want to help push talented young people forward," he says. "The opportunities I had made such a difference to me, and I'd like to do the same for others."

The difference Kinship care can make

Rupert's story is a powerful reminder that kinship care is about more than providing a home. It is about creating the security, belonging and support that allow young people to realise their potential.

Thanks to the commitment of his grandmother and wider family network, Rupert has been able to build strong relationships, pursue his ambitions and create a future full of opportunity. As he reflects on the years ahead, Rupert remains optimistic. "I'm always hopeful," he says. "I just try to see things through.”