National Care Leavers Week: All of Us, We are One

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is supporting National Care Leavers Week, an opportunity to celebrate the successes of our care experienced young people, challenge inaccurate perceptions and stereotypes, and raise awareness for ongoing support.

Organised by Become, a national charity which works alongside those who have left care to help make improvements to the care system, the campaign will run from Monday 28 October to Sunday 3 November this year.

This year’s national campaign theme, ‘All of Us, We are One’, emphasises unity, inclusivity and our collective responsibility to support care experienced young people as they transition to adulthood.

This transition can be challenging for care experienced young people across the country. Many have shared their difficulties with the sudden end of the support system they once depended on, often referred to as the ‘care cliff’.

BCP Council acts as a corporate parent for approximately 500 children and young people at any one time. We do not only see this as a legal requirement, our young people are truly cared for and will continue to be supported up to and beyond the age of 25, helping them to shape a positive future.

Councillor Richard Burton, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People, Education and Skills at BCP Council, said:

“The children and young people who have experience of being in care are our children, and we are extremely proud of them.

"Where necessary, we refer to them as ‘care experienced young people’, which is what they have told us they prefer to be known as.

"National Care Leavers Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and achievements of our care experienced young people, and to champion the support that is available for them across our communities.

“BCP Council is dedicated to providing the stability, encouragement, and opportunities which help young people transition into adulthood. Together, we can help them avoid falling off the care cliff and make a meaningful difference in their lives."

With the support of its local communities, which can make such a difference to the lives of children and young people, BCP Council runs several initiatives designed to provide care leavers with the resources, support and opportunities they need to succeed.

Our Supported Lodgings scheme provides a safe, supportive home where people can prepare for future independence by developing key life skills.

Trained hosts offer guidance and stability, helping young people build confidence and develop essential skills like managing finances and running a household, smoothening the transition to independent living at a pace which suits them.

BCP Council is actively inviting residents to make a meaningful impact in a young person’s life by becoming a Supported Lodgings host.

Additionally, local businesses are encouraged to partner with the council to increase job and apprenticeship opportunities for care experienced young people, helping them build essential employment skills and opening doors to future careers.

Cathi Hadley, Director for Children and Young People at BCP Council, said:

"Our care experienced young people face unique challenges, and BCP Council is committed to supporting their journey into adulthood.

“Through initiatives such as Supported Lodgings, we provide spaces for stability and growth, while work and apprentice opportunities made available by local businesses can help support care experienced young people on their career path.

“We invite the community to help us build a future where every young person feels valued and empowered."

Throughout the Care Leavers campaign, the council will be operating and supporting a number of key events, looking to engage the care community and provide resources to those transitioning to independent living.

The end of the campaign is also marked by the STAR Awards, bringing together care leavers, their friends, family, local Councillors and stakeholders to collectively recognise the outstanding successes of care experienced young people.

More information about the campaign and associated events can be accessed across BCP Council’s social media channels.