Fair Ways Lights Up Spinnaker Tower Blue to Celebrate National Care Leavers Month

Last night, Portsmouth’s iconic Spinnaker Tower was lit-up blue in a powerful display of solidarity with young people leaving the care system, as part of National Care Leavers Month.

The illumination, organised by Fair Ways, took place at 5:15 PM and marks Portsmouth’s contribution to a growing national movement celebrating and supporting care-experienced young people.

National Care Leavers Month is a dedicated time to recognise the resilience, achievements, and aspirations of individuals transitioning out of care, while highlighting the unique challenges they continue to face during adulthood. The campaign calls on communities, organisations, and public figures to champion care leavers and demonstrate that they are valued, supported, and never alone.

A small group of local care leavers joined the evening as the tower lit up, symbolising hope, visibility, and community pride. The evening started with Spinnaker Tower being illuminated blue, followed by a tour of the landmark and dinner.

The Spinnaker Tower joins a growing list of national landmarks helping to shine a light on the care-experienced community. Earlier this week, Channel 4 kicked off the official light-up in London, and major sites such as the London Eye and Blackpool Tower have participated in previous awareness events. Fair Ways hopes that more UK landmarks will join the campaign throughout the month.

“Lighting the Spinnaker Tower is a powerful way to show care leavers across our region that Portsmouth stands with them,” said Fair Ways Managing Director, Gareth Webb. “This month is about recognition, encouragement, and ensuring every care-experienced young person knows they matter.”

National Care Leavers Month runs throughout November, with events happening nationwide. To learn more, visit: National Care Leavers Month 2025.