Prosperity Children’s Services’ Proprietor Edward Smethurst’s story is one of extraordinary resilience. It’s a story of building hope through care.

Edwards childhood

His childhood was marked by deep loss: his mother left when he was very young, and on his 13th birthday his father died in a house fire. He then went to live with his grandparents, only to suffer further heartbreak when his nana died the following year and his grandfather experienced a devastating stroke later that same year. By the age of 14, Edward had been left with no one to depend on. He became part of the care system in Rochdale during the 1980s, an experience that was far from easy.  He spent time in temporary accommodation with friends and their families before renting a room above a shop and beginning to build a life for himself at just 16.

Turning adversity into purpose

Despite the challenges he faced, Edward remained determined to build a future for himself. While working long hours in a butcher’s shop to support himself, he successfully completed his A levels and went on to secure a place at the University of Leeds to study law.

Rather than allowing hardship to define him, Edward used it to shape a future built on determination, compassion and purpose. In 2008, Edward founded the Prosperity Group. His roots began in property, expanded into nurseries and then children’s homes, reflecting not only entrepreneurial success but also a deeply personal commitment to caring for vulnerable children. Having known instability himself, Edward turned his adversity into a strong vision, creating opportunities and places of safety for others who needed them the most.

Having a vision

At the heart of Edward’s vision is a belief that every child in care deserves more than just a placement; they deserve a stable, secure home where they can feel safe. His aim is to create therapeutic environments that not only provide protection and consistency, but also help children begin to look forward with hope. Alongside this, he is passionate about ensuring that children have access to strong education provision, so that each young person is given the opportunity to build a brighter future for themselves.

Achievements that create impact

Today, Edward Smethurst stands as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through courage, hard work and an unwavering belief that even the most difficult beginnings do not have to determine the end of the story.

Together at Prosperity we strive to make this vision more achievable for every child that enters our care; stronger foundations and resources than Edward had available to him when he was at the beginning of his journey through care.