Over 600 quilts and counting: the volunteers wrapping care leavers in comfort

Date published: 24 August 2026

The volunteers are located across Northern Ireland and include students from the Belfast School of Art at Ulster University. For the third year in a row, Ulster University hosted a ‘Come along and sew’ collaborative event with Quilts for Care Leavers encouraging students, university staff, volunteers and the general public to get involved in the creative process.  The University is also hosting an exhibition of quilts produced from previous Q4CLNI events which will be on display until 4^th September.

Mike Farrar commended the handcrafted creations saying: 

“Leaving care is a major milestone in a young person’s life and living independently for the first time can be a daunting prospect.  Alongside the work that social care services do to help young people transition out of care and plan for their future, the purpose of these sustainably made quilts is to provide some comfort, a ‘hug’ when needed.  These beautiful quilts come in a vast range of designs, each carefully sewn by a network of volunteers who so willingly give up their time.  The care leaver can choose a quilt design they will love and cherish, and I have no doubt these quilts are treasured possessions, which will provide comfort and familiarity for the care leaver as they embark on the next stage in their life journey.”

Lynne Rowntree, Trustee at Q4CLNI, says the quilts are both practical and comforting.  

“Our motto is that you don’t need to know someone to care for them and I am delighted that, since 2022, we have donated over 600 exquisite quilts to care leavers across Northern Ireland. These ‘hugs’ help lower the stress some young people may feel when starting to live outside the care system. There is very much a community of quilters in our organisation, young and old, from all walks of life.  The quilts often utilise donated fabrics and repurposed materials, each design as individual as the care leaver who will choose it.”

Fiona Kane MBE, Director of the Vice-Chancellor's Office, said: 

“We are delighted to welcome the Permanent Secretary to Ulster University and to showcase this special collaboration between Belfast School of Art and Quilts for Care Leavers Northern Ireland.

"This initiative is a wonderful example of bringing together the creativity and expertise of our Belfast School of Art staff and students with volunteers and members of the wider community for a shared purpose. The exhibition is a fitting celebration of what they have achieved together, and of the time, skill and care that has gone into creating these quilts for young people as they take an important step towards independent living.”