In light of National Care Leavers’ Week, taking place from Wednesday 25 October to Wednesday 1 November, we urge our local community, organisations and businesses to lend their support to care-experienced young people in their community, as they head into adulthood.
Many care leavers face the challenges of pursuing their studies or finding employment, while developing life skills. This is often without the support that other young people receive from family and friend networks.
Two organisations who have provided examples of support for Dorset’s care leavers are Sky and Hall & Woodhouse.
Connectivity, devices and skills training
Last year, Sky launched Sky Up, a program created to tackle digital inequality and provide vital skills training to 250,000 people through a dedicated £10 million fund. As part of Sky Up, the Tech Grants initiative aims at helping young people leaving the care system between 18 and 25 by providing them with access to connectivity, devices, and skills training.
Working with Spectra and Dorset Council, 50 young people received a technology bundle including laptop, rucksack, & digital active pen, and 18-months internet connection powered by Sky Broadband. Our care leavers were also invited to a wellbeing event held at Bournemouth Football club with an exclusive stadium tour and workshop run by Tough Cookie teaching new ways to manage stress and anxiety.
The young people also attended a jam-packed celebration event at Sky’s head office this week. The day included a campus and Sky Studios tour, talks from keynote speakers Simon Thomas (Soccer Sunday host) and inspirational care-leaver, Ashley John-Baptiste. They also took part in workshops helping them develop life skills and attended a session on future possible career opportunities at Sky and the media industry.
The feedback from attendees was incredibly positive with many young people expressing how valuable the experience was.
Boosting confidence and providing opportunities
Hall & Woodhouse has been an incredible support to our Care Leavers over recent years. They have been able to provide employment opportunities for our young people, who may have found it previously difficult to get into work due to their past experiences, or low self-confidence.
Hall & Woodhouse organised and facilitated information days and activities at their head office and brewery site in Blandford, including a valuable cooking skills workshop. This was a successful event and some of our young people went on to secure jobs with Hall & Woodhouse at various locations across Dorset.
The family-owned business has provided invaluable support to our care leavers which has made such a difference in boosting their confidence as they head towards employment.
Anthony Woodhouse, Chairman for Hall & Woodhouse, said; “We are delighted to be involved with the Dorset Council Care Leavers programme. Providing the opportunity of a career in hospitality and support for talented young people is a ‘win, win’ situation for all involved.”
Cllr Byron Quayle, Dorset Council’s Portfolio holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help said; “We want our care-experienced children and young people to thrive, develop their full potential and enjoy a settled adulthood.
“We are grateful for the opportunities and support that Hall & Woodhouse and Sky offer to our young people – they are making such a difference.
“We’d like to encourage more local businesses and organisations to consider how you could be part of Dorset’s initiative to give the best support to those leaving our care. If you’re willing to help, please get in touch.”
About Dorset’s Care Leavers
Dorset Council has a responsibility as a corporate parent for all children in care and we retain a responsibility until they are 25. There are currently 515 care leavers in Dorset aged between 18-25 years old.
To find out more about Dorset Council’s care leavers or to offer support and opportunities, please contact Lucy.Benham@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Our care leavers local offer can be found here.
