Southampton is marking National Care Leavers’ Month this November with opportunities to celebrate care leavers, champion their ambitions and open doors to new experiences.

This year the National Care Leavers’ Month is themed “Leading the Way: From Experience to Empowerment”. The month recognises care-experienced young people’s achievements and aspirations, while raising awareness of the challenges they can face as they move towards independent life. In Southampton, the month is an opportunity to celebrate our young people and highlight the importance of support, connections and opportunities that last beyond November.

A range of activities are planned throughout the month that focus on empowering young people, enabling them to share their views, gain valuable experience and recognise their own potential with events that include:

• On Tuesday 10 November, care leavers will visit the Houses of Parliament for a tour, offering a chance to explore one of the country’s most recognisable buildings and learn more about the place where national decisions are made.
• The Southampton O2 Guildhall will be lit up on Wednesday 18 November, marking National Care Leavers’ Month with a visible show of support for the city’s care leavers.
• On Wednesday 25 November, care experienced young people who were invited to speak at September’s Full Council meeting earlier this year will return to learn what pledges Councillors will make in their role as Southampton City Councils’ Corporate Parent.
• The programme will culminate in a Southampton City Council Care Leaver takeover day on Thursday 26 November, when care leavers will be invited to work at Southampton City Council’s offices in a range of different roles. The day will offer hands-on work experience and a chance to meet staff, discover different career paths and get a first-hand insight into how the council works.

Councillor Amanda Barnes-Andrews, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning at Southampton City Council said:

“Our care leavers have so much to offer, and National Care Leavers’ Month is a chance for Southampton to celebrate their achievements, recognise their ambitions and show that we are firmly in their corner.

From visiting Parliament to lighting up the Southampton 02 Guildhall, these events are about creating shared experiences and a sense of belonging. Above all, we want our care leavers to know that this is their city, their voices matter and their futures matter. Our support must extend far beyond a single month.”

Steph Murray, Interim Executive Director for Children and Learning at Southampton City Council said:

“We want every care leaver to feel encouraged to explore their interests, recognise their strengths and take their next steps with confidence.

Our takeover day is a practical way to open doors, giving young people experience of different roles and the chance to see where their skills and ambitions could take them. It is also an opportunity for us to listen and learn from care leavers themselves.

Marking this month is about celebrating young people while keeping their experiences and aspirations at the heart of what we do.”

If you run a business and could offer a Southampton care leaver an opportunity for work experience, placement, an apprenticeship or employment, please contact PTCTeamStandardsCoordinator@southampton.gov.uk