Young people who have experienced living in care are being acknowledged throughout November in a month-long campaign known as Care Leavers Month.
The aim is to shine a light on the experiences, successes and ongoing needs of care experienced individuals.
Solihull Council is pleased to launch its celebrations for the month with the opening of a new Care Leavers Hub, which is a dedicated space for young people to visit.
Based at Chelmund’s Place in the north of the borough, the Hub enables young people to relax with their friends, use kitchen facilities to make some food, or even do their washing if they don’t have access to a washing machine at home. There are also drop-in sessions for wellbeing, employment and general help that they may need.
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Leader of Solihull Council and Cabinet Member for Children & Education, recently met some of Solihull’s care experienced young people at the Hub. She said:
“I am so excited that we can provide young people with this fantastic space, especially while they are at an important stage in their lives. We know that some are busy applying for jobs, so the modern desks and free WiFi will be great to help them. Alternatively, some young people might be studying at college or university and want to have a chat with their personal adviser as they decide on next steps – they can do this while having a cuppa on the sofa!”
Throughout Care Leavers Month the Council will be holding a range of activities and events for care experienced young people to take part in, ranging from an art session, quiz, creating a music video, and poetry competition!
Councillor Grinsell added: “We know that the experiences of children and young people living in care might have been very difficult. Our role as corporate parents is to provide them with as much support and opportunities as they prepare for adulthood, in the same way we would for our own children. I hope they take advantage of the new Hub and the support from our dedicated workforce to help them when they need it.”
More information about the Council’s support for care experienced young people can be found on the website: Care experienced children and young people | Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
Photo caption l-r: Danny, Cllr Grinsell, Demi-Rose and Alicia at the new Hub.