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Supporting National Care Leavers Week 2020 

As part of National Care Leavers’ Week 2020 (26 October to 1 November) Plymouth City Council, working in partnership with children’s charity Barnardo’s, will be holding a range of events and celebrations.

Care Leavers week graphic National Care Leaver’s Week is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the successes of care leavers from across the UK and to think about how we can all do more to ensure they are able to achieve their full potential.

The main focus of activity this week in Plymouth will be to raise awareness of the issues facing care experienced young people.

It will also be used to celebrate achievements of Plymouth’s Care Leavers as well as kick starting activity to improve the city’s support for care experienced young people. This will include a focus on isolation and loneliness and the using of young people’s own stories to promote reflection.

Councillor Jemima Laing Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: "Everyone engaged in thinking about, or providing services to care leavers might need to access from time to time can be part of raising awareness, creating opportunities and promoting understanding. By making sure everyone works together to support them and promote their full potential we can make sure the transition from care to living an independent adult life is successful.”

Jack (not his real name) left care recently and said: “Care Leavers Week is not promoted enough; it should be on everybody’s radar because we should be doing better for young people in care and those leaving care setting up their futures.”  

Sophie (not her real name) is another care experienced young person. She said: “I don’t think Care Leavers Week has a strong enough profile or is widely known, which is a shame because some people think they have a right to make assumptions and judge our lives because we were in care at some stage. Telling our stories and raising awareness of our experiences is important it also challenges professionals to do better.”

There are several ways Plymouth City Council working in partnership with Barnardo’s supports care leavers including:

  • Personal Advisor one to one support
  • Independent Living Skills programme
  • Financial support to access higher education
  • Support to link in wider services in young people’s local community
  • Support around accommodation, education training and employment, managing finances, access to positive activities
  • Mentoring service providing individuals with extra support 
  • Providing space through the Participation Team to enable young people to share their experiences and shape service delivery.

Barnardo’s regional assistant director Nick Cook said: “Care leavers have often experienced trauma, neglect and abuse, and face additional barriers to accessing education, employment and training. They are also at greater risk of poverty and homelessness, as well as struggling with isolation and poor mental health.

“We are aspirational with and for care leavers to change this and are proud to support Plymouth City Council in raising awareness of National Care Leavers’ Week and the support available to local young people, helping them on their path towards a more positive future.”

The Council is also launching the Bright Spots Survey to help build a clear understanding of what matters to care experienced young people in the city. The survey will help us find out the things that are important and what makes life good.  The information gathered will ensure that young people’s views are reflected in our promise and offer to care leavers across the city.

Service Director for Children, Young People and Families Jean Kelly said: “We are committed to ensuring that the voice of children and young people is at the heart of everything we do. We are hoping as many young people as people take part in the survey and share their views and experiences so we can make sure that the support we offer continues to meet their needs.”

To find out more about the support available to care leavers in Plymouth visit the Council’s website. www.plymouth.gov.uk/careleavers