Dorset Council is supporting National Care Leavers Week 2019 which takes place from 28 October to 3 November 2019.
This annual initiative recognises young people who have left looked after care and are now living independently.
Saphron Gafney-Parker, left care at 17 years old. Now aged 21, Saphron is studying hairdressing and lives with her one year old daughter, Dora. Saphron said, “When I was in care, I thought certain things wouldn’t be available to people like me. I didn’t think I would learn to drive but I did. I didn’t think I would have a passport and travel but when I left care I went to teach English in Asia. I’ve now got a diploma and NVQ and I’m studying hairdressing. My Personal Advisor is there for when I need someone to talk to, when I need advice; giving me lots of encouragement and helping me to take the next steps to where I want to go next.”
As a corporate parent, Dorset Council has a responsibility and a duty of care to ensure that all young people leaving care are supported in living independently. The council helps care leavers in many ways including finding suitable accommodation, continuing their education, managing their finances, keeping healthy and establishing good relationships.
Cllr Andrew Parry, portfolio holder for Children, Education and Early Help said, “It is important for the council to ensure that care leavers receive the support they need for them to be able to leave care and create their own futures. We are very grateful to the care leavers who have chosen to share their stories and their achievements in support of National Care Leavers Week 2019 and the Personal Advisors who continue to provide the care leavers with the help and advice they need. We know young people who have spent time in care can go on to achieve amazing things when guided and nurtured in the right way.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering or providing supported lodgings for young people in Dorset please contact the Fostering team on 01305 225568 or email: fosteringenquiries@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
