Care leavers praised for community aid

CARE leavers across Leicestershire have been supporting their communities in key worker roles during the coronavirus pandemic.

Vital areas the county’s young people have been working in include roles in healthcare, delivery services and retail.

They have been supported by the county council which assists in a number of ways, including with finances and housing as they leave care and begin their adult lives; starting careers and having families of their own.

Care leavers are visited regularly by their personal assistant/social worker who will provide advice, listen, and signpost to the right services if they are experiencing difficulties.

Young people who have contributed and been supported by the council include Georgia (22) who works for a pharmaceutical company that supplies medicines to local hospitals and pharmacies. As a care leaver, she receives a bursary enabling her to go to university and is also able to remain living with ‘staying put providers’, who she views as her family.

Talking about working throughout the pandemic, Georgia said: “I was protected at work by wearing full PPE and visors. I enjoyed working as I got to speak to different people from outside my family home, which helped a great deal.

“I knew that my work was essential, as we are supporting the NHS, to make sure hospitals and pharmacies have the medicines to treat people. In my usual role, I sort out what has been ordered and pack this up to be sent out.

“But we were a lot busier at work than normal and I was working in different areas of the company which I did not mind, plus I worked some extra hours.”

Coun Ivan Ould, cabinet member for children and families, added: “It’s hugely rewarding to see our care leavers flourishing, achieving their dreams and raising families of their own, as well as supporting their local communities.

“The county council provides support for care leavers to help them on their journey to independence but there are many ways Leicestershire residents can support young people in care too.”

To find out more about fostering, visit www.fosteringleicestershire.com or contact the fostering team on 0116 305 05 05.