Published Tuesday 23 December 2025 at 12:00
Care leavers came together for a festive winter celebration at Ewood Park this week, marking the lead-up to Christmas with an afternoon focused on connection, food and creating positive memories.
The event was held for young people who are preparing to leave care, giving them the chance to relax, enjoy a meal and spend time with others they may not have seen for some time. Gifts were generously donated by local businesses as well as council staff and councillors, highlighting the shared commitment to supporting care-experienced young people across the borough.
Everyone who works for the council has a role to play as a corporate parent, with a responsibility to care for and support children and young people in the same way any good parent would. Events like this are one of the ways the council demonstrates its commitment to ensuring care leavers feel valued, supported and included.
Aaron Markland, a care leaver who attended the event, said:
“It’s good. I feel the event really lifts the mood around Christmas time and I get to create memories with amazing people, including those that I haven’t seen in a long time.”
The event was also attended by Joanne Siddle, Director of Children’s Services and Education, and Cllr Julie Gunn, Executive Member for Children’s, Young People and Education, who both spent time speaking with young people at the event.
Cllr Gunn said:
“It’s really important that we take the time to celebrate with our care leavers, particularly those who may not have had the best experiences so far. We want them to know that we are their family and that we will support them in the same way any family would.”
When asked whether events like this are beneficial for care leavers, Cllr Gunn added:
“From speaking to young people at the event, you can see the enjoyment they get from being there — seeing familiar faces, sharing a good meal and going away with some gifts. I really hope that experiences like this have a positive impact for them.”
Speaking about how the council can continue to support care leavers, she said:
“It’s about keeping care leavers at the front of our minds at all times and making sure that, whatever work we are doing, we are thinking about how it affects them.”
The council would like to thank all the businesses, partner organisations and staff who donated gifts and helped make the event possible. Their generosity helps ensure care leavers feel supported, particularly during the festive period.