National Care Leavers Month celebrates support, opportunities and lifelong relationships in Dorset

National Care Leavers Month is being marked this November, celebrating the achievements, talents and experiences of care experienced people.

This year's theme, Leading the way: from experience to empowerment, recognises the valuable insights and strengths that people gain through their experiences, and how these can help shape brighter futures for themselves and others.

A care experienced person is someone who has spent time in the care of a local authority. Dorset Council works with young people and adults who are leaving care or who have left care, providing practical support, opportunities and ongoing relationships to help them achieve their goals and live independently.

As part of the month, there will be an exhibition at County Hall, Dorchester, showcasing the voices, creativity and experiences of care experienced people from across Dorset. The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about their journeys, achievements and ambitions and see art created by care experienced young people and adults with support from Houseworks, a local artist.

The exhibition also highlights the different ways Dorset Council supports care experienced people beyond their time in care. This includes mentoring opportunities, help with education, employment and housing, and specialist advice to support people as they navigate adulthood.

As part of this commitment, Dorset Council has introduced a new Lifelong Offer, enabling care experienced adults to reconnect with support beyond the age of 25 if they need it.

The Lifelong Offer recognises that everyone needs advice and support at different points in their lives. Through the scheme, care experienced adults can access guidance from Personal Advisers on issues such as housing, employment, finances, health and wellbeing.

One care experienced person welcomed the new approach, saying:

"Very good idea. Just having someone you have had in your life continue rather than stop."

Paul Dempsey, Dorset Council's Executive Director of Children's Services, said:

"National Care Leavers Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, talents and potential of care experienced people across Dorset.

"This year's theme, 'Leading the way: from experience to empowerment', reflects something we see every day. Care experienced people bring valuable perspectives, determination and resilience, and many go on to inspire and support others.

"We are committed to being a caring and ambitious corporate parent. Whether that's through mentoring, employment and education opportunities, creative projects like the County Hall exhibition, or our new Lifelong Offer, we want care experienced people to know they have our support.

"Enduring relationships matter. Just as many young adults continue to turn to family members or trusted adults for advice throughout their lives, we want care experienced people to know they can reach out when they need support, whatever stage of life they're at."