Celebrating National Care Leavers Week

To celebrate National Care Leavers Week, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council launched a new event for young people who have grown up in care.

The Leaving Care Event took place for local young people who have used the services and was attended by social workers and support staff, partners and senior members of the Council.

The community gathered at the drop-in session on Wednesday 26th October at Kaleidoscope Youth Centre in Blackburn as National Care Week gets underway (October 26 – November 1).

Imran Akuji, Head of Partnerships, Intensive Support, Policy and Performance, said:

It was fantastic to have our Care Leavers join us and engage to get some support as they move on to the next stage of their lives. There have been some changes within the Leaving Care Service and its entitlements offers and it is great that people are aware and young people are helping us shape and improve the service.

The care team at the Council aims to encourage the personal development and practical living skills of young people leaving care, work with young people leaving care to find employment/training, access education and maximise their income and to find suitable housing.

Health services, Revive, Brook, Inspire, Young People’s Services and Blackburn Rovers’ BRIC were at the event to offer support alongside the Leaving Care Team who work with young people aged 16 to 24.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

The Leaving Care Event had a brilliant turn-out and it just goes to show that the work of the Leaving Care Team is making a real difference.

By working together staff and volunteers have been delivering quality services to help transform the lives of young people across the borough and the dedication of their work shines through.

It was great to see different partners there offering advice, making sure our young people get the advice to help them with future opportunities that they deserve.

Councillor Julie Gunn, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:

It was wonderful to see so many young people at the event, getting the extra support that they need, engaging and visiting staff who have helped them.

The staff and volunteers have done a fantastic job and by working together we have been able to identify the key areas that Care Leavers need when they do actually leave care, so this event has been rewarding and extremely useful.

This really is a team effort and has been fantastic that the staff get the recognition they deserve. The young people can move on with the confidence which they need by giving them the skills and support to thrive on a daily basis as they move on to the next stage in their lives.

There are a wide range of services and support available for care leavers in Blackburn and Darwen. Some of these services are provided directly by the Council, and some are provided in partnership with other agencies. Services are available for all care leavers, but you might not need to access all of the services; this will depend on your own personal circumstances.

The types of services offered to care leavers include an allocated personal advisor, accommodation, education, employment and training, higher education, financial support and support with your health and wellbeing.

For more information visit www.blackburn.gov.uk/children-and-young-people/care-leavers.