Hull City Council is hosting a huge celebration event for care leavers to mark National Care Leavers Week.
National Care Leavers Week celebrates care leavers across the UK and runs from 25 October – 1 November.
This year, everyone will be called upon to CARE: to Celebrate care leavers, Amplify their voices, Raise awareness of challenges and Encourage change in policy and practice.
Following a hugely successful celebration week the council’s leaving care team hosted last year, they are planning to offer a range of activities across the full month.
The month will see a whole host of events, including the Care Leavers Forum, young parents’ activities, an industry visit to Ashcourt Group, climbing at Rock City, Care to Dream at Tigers Trust Arena, go karting and much more.
The third annual Blue Diamond Awards will also be taking place at the Hilton Hotel in Hull. The awards shine a spotlight on the achievements of care leavers in the city. In attendance will be local businesses, councillors and people who work with and support those in care and care leavers.
The Guildhall will also be hosting several employment events, where young care leavers will be in attendance.
Hull City Council buildings will be lit up blue from 1 – 3 November to commemorate the week.
The Room 42 team at Hull City Council are celebrating supporting even more care leavers in Hull into employment, through their Care Leaver Link Up programme.
Room 42 is a care leavers’ hub based at the Guildhall which helps businesses to develop opportunities for young people to learn more about education, training and employment. It’s also a place for young people meet to have their voices heard and make positive change for care leavers in Hull.
They recently supported several young people who have gone on to become employed by local firms Swift Caravans, Willerby Caravans and NPS Humber after completing apprenticeships.
They also supported Nathan, who has begun a new career at sea after completing the three-week ‘Maritime Futures’ training programme earlier this year.
Nathan, a former sea cadet, found out about the training through his social worker. Nathan previously worked at Hull City Council as a Regeneration Champion for 6 months before moving to KFC and beginning the Maritime Futures training programme.
Nathan said: “As a care leaver it is hard to get a job, whether it’s to do with mental health issues or other challenges.
“I didn’t have the best start in life but compared to where I started and where I am now, I have come on leaps and bounds. Life could have been a lot different. If I can achieve this, then other people can achieve it as well. I am feeling pretty proud. It just shows if you put your mind to things and you can achieve what you want!”
Councillor Linda Tock, the portfolio holder for Children’s Services at Hull City Council said: “It’s our duty to support our care leavers as best we can so they can go on to fulfil their potential and live happy and rewarding lives. I’m glad we get the chance to bring to light the successes of our incredible care leavers, like Nathan, as well as the fantastic work of our dedicated teams.”
To find out more about advice and support on offer for care leavers in Hull, please visit the website. If any employers or care leavers are interested in getting in touch with the team, email them on Leaving.care@hullcc.gov.uk.
