This week marks the start of National Care Leavers’ Week which is an opportunity to raise awareness of the additional challenges care leavers can face.
On Monday (28 October), Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Martin Donaghy and the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Andy Morgan, were joined by local care leavers in Queens Park to plant a “positivitree”.
The tree is a symbol of the council’s commitment to supporting care leavers who often face difficulties when transitioning to independent living.
A recent survey found that 77% of care leavers reported that they were struggling to buy food at least some of the time and 62% found it difficult to get the mental health support they needed.
Every area has a “local offer” which includes a package of support and information for care leavers up to the age of 25.
In Bolton, care leavers receive support and information from an assigned personal adviser on a range of topics including education, training and employment, accommodation, finances and more.
Support in Bolton for care leavers can be found on Bolton Council’s Local Offer page.
Executive Cabinet Member, Cllr Martin Donaghy, said:
“As a council we are committed to giving every young person the best possible start in life but we know care leavers can face additional challenges.
“Here in Bolton we have a wide ranging support offer for young people with experience of care and we will always look to expand this wherever possible.
“This new tree in Queens Park will serve as a prominent reminder of the role we can all play in helping care leavers to succeed and thrive as adults.”