Celebrating achievement during Care Leavers’ Week
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
We are celebrating National Care Leavers’ Week (28 October – 3 November) by highlighting young people’s achievements and successes.
Councils play a crucial role in supporting young people as they transition out of the care system.
This time of immense change can be daunting, but with the right help, it can also be empowering.
From assisting with job interviews, training in essential life skills, to being a shoulder to lean on, there’s a firm commitment to ensuring our care leavers feel supported every step of the way.
Teegan, aged 19, has overcome many challenges in her young life, as at the age of 16 she wasn’t able to stay at home.
She initially moved to a children’s home where she was supported to make choices about her education, and where to live.
"At the home everyone was so kind and caring. They listened to me, and they pushed me to do good.
“I didn’t want to move into foster care, and so I was supported to learn how to be able to live independently.”
Teegan
A care leaver from the Wakefield district
Before moving into her flat, she learned skills such as budgeting, and cooking, and was given and shown practical skills. This includes skills that others learn at a much older age, such as how to bleed radiators to keep her flat warm.
Teegan was able to combine going to school and college and trained in catering. She has support from her Personal Advisor (PA), as do all care leavers. They offer a wide range of support, to help young people.
Teegan said: “My PA helped me to get into routine about when I get up, and what I do, and that helps. She is always there for me.”
Teegan now works in retail and said: “I love my job. And I’m doing well.”
As well as support from a PA, Care Leavers can access support from peer groups and are invited to events. This includes a Christmas meal that Teegan enjoys attending each year.
But it is a measure of her success that as she builds a good life for herself, she doesn’t need the same level of support as before and says her life has moved on.
Teegan’s positive experience highlights support for care leavers in the district.
“Our role is to support and guide children and young people who can’t live at home with their families, and this continues as they grow into adults.
“We are so proud of our young care leavers such as Teegan and it is a joy to see them thrive and grow.
“We listen to young people and work with partners to help them in the ways that are needed. "
Cllr Helen Antcliff
Deputy Cabinet Member for Children and Young People
The theme for Care Leavers Week is ‘All of us, we are one’.
The Council recently held a Celebrating Achievement Award for care leavers, to mark young people’s successes. It included lighting up the Clock Tower at Wakefield Town Hall, in their honour. Other events include a day trip and a movie night to celebrate their achievements.