New scheme launched as the Borough shows support for National Care Leavers' Week

A new scheme for Council employees and members to support care leavers has launched alongside a series of events to mark National Care Leavers' Week across the Stockton-on-Tees Borough. 

The National Care Leavers' Week campaign ran from last week (October 25) until this Wednesday (November 1).

Organised by national charity, 'Become', the week celebrated care leavers and raised awareness around the challenges they face.

And Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council launched the 'No Limits: The Giving of...' scheme, which will support children in care or leaving care to take part in the same activities and experiences that you would expect for your own children.

In their role as a 'corporate parent', scheme volunteers can give their time by providing support, friendship, and encouragement to young people.

This could be through ongoing one-to-one support, helping a young person access a local club or recreational activity or a one-off request.

Councillor Lisa Evans, the Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "We're so pleased to have supported National Care Leavers' Week. Our ultimate goal is to help care leavers be independent, to succeed in education and employment, be happy and healthy and make the most of doing things they enjoy.

"Being a corporate parent for all our care leavers means we want what is best for all those in our care - we want the same for them as we would want for our own children.

"In Stockton-on-Tees, we offer a wide range of support to guide our young people as they take their steps into adulthood. This includes making sure that each young care leaver has a named Personal Adviser who can guide and support them from the age of 16 until they are 25.

"We're always keen to hear what the young people in our care think, to help us better understand their experience and shape our services, and that's why we have 'Our Let's Take Action' group, which represents the voice of children and young people.

"Ensuring each care leaver has a bright future is what we are aiming for. We're so proud of every child who leaves our care - they have faced many challenges and deserve to start their adult lives with the skills and support to stand them in good stead."

Throughout the week, the Council showed its support for the national campaign with events, activities and opportunities for care leavers to take part in.

On Saturday (October 28), the Borough's Memorial Lighting at Newport Bridge, Stockton Town Centre and Stockton Riverside was illuminated pale blue to mark the national week, joining famous national landmarks such as the London Eye and Blackpool Tower which also showed their support.

Young people in care were also involved with a recruitment panel, giving their say on candidates interviewed - learning about the process and giving their perspective.

And cared for and care experienced young people also visited the new 'No Limits Hub' to share their views on what they would like to see in the hub ahead of its planned opening next month.

For more information, visit the dedicated Care Leavers' web page.

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