National Care Leavers Week celebrates the achievements and contributions of care leavers by bringing care leavers, professionals, decision makers and others together. As well as this Care Leavers Week also helps to raise awareness about the problems facing care leavers and allows for better advocacy to amplify their voices. The week tries to raise awareness about the challenges care leavers face to decision-makers with the goal of campaigning for policy change.
This year care leavers week runs from 28th October - 3rd November with the theme being ‘All of Us, We are One’ which focuses on bringing people together to build stronger communities for care-experienced people. Activities this week aim to amplify care leavers' voices, challenge stigmas, and celebrate their achievements, fostering both public understanding and policy advocacy to improve care systems nationwide.
National Care Leavers Week ties closely in with the NYAS mission of providing advocacy to both children in care and care-experienced young people to ensure that their voices are heard and that they are given the correct support both in and out of the care system. It is important that care leavers' voices are heard and that they know their rights to ensure that they are able to have easier transitions to adulthood so they are able to succeed after they have left care. NYAS champions care leavers to succeed once they leave the care system, with opportunities to work with us to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Side by Side
Our Side by Side programme aims to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness for care leavers and to bridge the gap between leaving care and finding their own way in the world. Volunteers embark on their journey ‘Side by Side’ with them, helping them when they need it. The Side by Side Care leaver programme will match you with a local mentor. This person will become your mentor and can provide a broad range of support. Taking part in this 12 month programme also gives you access to a £500 care leaver bursary.
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