Published: Wednesday, 23rd October 2024
National Care Leavers’ Week takes place from 28 October to 3 November 2024. On Wednesday 30 October the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange will be lit up blue in support.
Cllr Jo Rust, Cabinet member for People and Communities, said: “We know many care leavers have faced difficult experiences throughout their lives. We want to raise awareness of the issues they face and celebrate their achievements.
Earlier this year our council signed up to the Care Leaver Covenant as a demonstration of our intention to try to make a positive difference going forward. We want to help care leavers be better prepared and supported to live independently, and the Covenant provides a framework for us to develop our local offer to help achieve this.”
The Care Leaver Covenant, which was established in response to the Government’s policy document ‘Keep on Caring’, is a promise made by organisations to provide support for care leavers aged 16-25 to help them to live independently.
The Council has already taken some steps to support care leavers, including:
- Offering a Council Tax discount scheme for care leavers up to age 25.
- Providing advice/guidance about housing.
- Introducing a guaranteed interview scheme for job vacancies within the council.
Cllr Rust added: “It is right to draw attention to National Care Leavers’ Week and I hope many people see the blue façade of the Corn Exchange on Wednesday 30 October to mark the week.”
Until 31 October 2024, the borough council has a survey for care leavers to complete which will make sure its services are tailored towards their needs.
Any young person in care and anyone who is care experienced can find out more about the support which is already available to them through Norfolk Right Direction, which is the County Council's app for care experienced young people in Norfolk. The app offers a range of information and advice, with links to local service providers. It is available for Apple or Android devices. The Care Leavers Covenant App is also available to download.