Dorset Council are asking for Dorset businesses and organisations to step-up and lend their support to help young people who have been brought into the care of the Council, who are looking to develop their independence, and may not have the usual support of friends and family.
They would like to invite you to a live seminar on Monday 25 October at 4pm to hear more about the ways in which you can support our care leavers and make a difference.
Earlier this year, Dorset Council joined the national Care Leaver Covenant, a promise made by the private, public and voluntary sectors to provide support for Dorset’s care leavers. We are now asking for our wider community to consider the ways in which they can also lend their support.
From work opportunities at ITV and hands-on apprenticeships, to free tickets to sporting events or discounts on household items – the Care Leaver Covenant and the organisations signed up to it, are going some way to make the move to becoming a young adult that little bit easier for care leavers.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, told KeeP 106; “Our Care Leaver’s service currently supports over 260 young people aged 18-25 within the Dorset Council area. Many of our care leavers face the challenges of pursuing their studies or finding employment, while developing life skills, often without the support that other young people receive from family and friend networks.
“The Care Leaver Covenant recognises and highlights that we all need to play a part in supporting our care leavers. We are encouraging 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.”
We are looking for businesses and organisations to offer support, such as:
- educational and training opportunities (e.g. work experience, work shadowing, internships, traineeships and apprenticeships)
- additional support (e.g. pastoral support and life guidance, financial guidance, career/employment guidance, or advice on educational prospects and opportunities)
- opportunities to broaden their horizons (e.g. access to sport, leisure and cultural activities)
- involvement in specific activities and events which inspire their personal interests and widen their employment prospects
How to get involved.
During National Care Leavers’ Week, there will be a virtual seminar on Monday 25 October from 4pm to 4.45pm, so you can find out more about what it means to sign up to the Care Leaver Covenant. The seminar will be joined by a representative from the Care Leaver Covenant and employees from the Care Leaver service, who will provide further detail on how your organisation can lend its support to Dorset’s care leavers.
If you’re unable to attend the event but would like to find out more, please contact Susan Holden. Email: susan.holden@dorsetcc.gov.uk
