Special celebration for Cambridgeshire care leavers

A special celebration event was held yesterday for young people from across Cambridgeshire leaving care.

It is one of several events planned for National Care Leavers’ Week this week.

Young people themselves were involved in planning the celebration event, which will be held at The Junction in Cambridge.

Activities included a nail bar and henna tattoo artist, as well as activities from Inspire2Ignite – a locally based organisation which works to reduce the number of young people who are not in education, employment, or training.

Support workers develop and deliver targeted programmes and experiences that engage and empower these young people, providing them with meaningful opportunities and support.

Representatives from the National Youth Advocacy Service will were on hand with advice and guidance for care leavers.

The event was attended by Cllr Bryony Goodliffe, chair of the council’s children and young people committee. Also present were the chair and vice-chair of the council’s corporate parenting sub-committee, Cllr Anna Bradnam and Cllr Philippa Slatter.

The weekly drop-in hub for care experienced young people aged 16-25 continues in Huntingdon library today between 10am and 1.30pm, with a focus on CV writing and career advice from personal advisors, education and employment workers and the virtual school.

A tenancy ready course run by South Cambridgeshire District Council was held at Huntingdon Library this week too. The course helped young people prepare for independent living, and covered topics such as how to maintain a tenancy, how to pay bills, how to manage money on a budget, and tenants’ rights.

The Leaving Care Service works with many local and national organisations including Goal 17, who will be holding a mentoring session for care leavers at The Junction tomorrow afternoon (October 30) and Become – a charity for children in care and young care leavers.

Cambridgeshire County Council has recently updated and improved its local offer page for care leavers, which explains what services and support are available for those leaving care.

Cllr Bryony Goodliffe said: “National Care Leavers Week is a pivotal event for those leaving care. It celebrates the young people involved and highlights the help and support which is available.

“I am delighted that we have organised so many events in Cambridgeshire to recognise these remarkable young people and their achievements – the highlight of which was the celebration event at The Junction on Wednesday.

“Our work to ensure Cambridgeshire is a caring county will continue as they receive the best support they need as they embark on the next stage of their lives.”