It’s National Care Leavers Month, a time to celebrate and support care leavers under the theme “Rising as Me: Overcoming challenges, transforming, and finding your identity.”
Care Leavers Month is a vital time to recognise, celebrate, and support young people transitioning from care into independence. It raises awareness of the unique challenges faced by our care experienced young people, perhaps moving into their own accommodation for the first time alone, building supportive networks, whilst also making choices about their education and employment.
There's lots happening throughout the country, and here's some of the highlights in Westmorland and Furness:
- Care Leavers Hub, Greengate, Barrow. The Hub is now open, and a range of activities have been arranged to take place there throughout the month, such as cook off, yoga, careers and financial advice. The official launch takes place 24 November.
- Ambitions Careers Event – 26 November open day for Care Leavers to discuss their career options with many local partners. At the Care Leavers Hub 1-3pm 26 November.
- The National Light Up: We are lighting up our Town Halls in blue throughout November, joining national landmarks, such as the London Eye to Blackpool Tower in lighting up landmarks blue in a show of unity, pride and support for Care Leavers everywhere.
Councillor Janet Battye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: “Our care experienced young people are strong and resilient and throughout Care Leavers Month we will shine a light on their stories, promote understanding within our communities, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every care-experienced young person feels valued, empowered, and equipped to thrive.”
Mil Vasic, Director of Children’s Services added: “Having a national month to highlight the challenges Care Leavers face is such a positive idea. Here in Westmorland and Furness our teams are busy all year working on many innovative projects with Care Leavers, and this national month means we can spotlight that work and the great results we see from it. We recognise Care Leavers as a protected characteristic for us as a whole council, not just Children’s Services.”