St Michael’s Mount to be lit up in honour of Cornwall’s care leavers

It has been organised by national charity Become, as part of National Care Leavers Week

St Michael's Mount
Author: Sophie SquiresPublished 25th Oct 2023

St Michael’s Mount will be lit up on Saturday night in honour of all the people in Cornwall who have lived in care.

It is part of National Care Leavers Week (October 25 to November 1), aimed at raising awareness of the challenges those with experience of the children’s social care system face, as well as what many go on to achieve.

It has been organised by Become, a national charity for children in care and young care leavers, and this year they are calling on everyone to CARE:

  • Celebrate care leavers
  • Amplify their voices
  • Raise awareness of challenges
  • Encourage change in policy and practice

There are currently almost 600 children in care in Cornwall and last year the council supported 565 care leavers aged between 16 and 25.

Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: "We know that people with experience of care may face additional challenges and encounter poorer outcomes in certain areas.

"This is why Cornwall Council is leading the way in helping young people in care, both during the time they are in our care and after they leave.

"In September we voted in favour of treating care experience as a ‘protected characteristic’, which will help ensure people who have lived in care face no discrimination and are always treated fairly.

"We hope this will help create opportunities across Cornwall's diverse communities and support the council’s mission to ensure everyone can start well, live well and age well."

Children’s social services in Cornwall are rated as ‘outstanding’ and the council say they have introduced specific measures to further reduce barriers for care leavers.

Earlier this year, free travel on Cornwall’s buses was extended to all 18 to 24-year-old young people leaving care to give them better access to work, training or study and getting to appointments, as well help improve mental health and reduce isolation. It followed a successful pilot in Cornwall with the charities Carefree and Barnardo’s, and the bus operators.

The council provides council tax exemptions up to the age of 25 years old for care leavers who were under its care up to the age of 18.

It has also been working closely with charity Carefree Cornwall to ensure that housing protocols recognise the additional needs of care leavers.

Mari Eggins, chief executive officer at Carefree Cornwall, said: "Young people in and leaving care continue to be amongst the most disadvantaged in our society.

"They are at risk of doing significantly less well in areas like education and employment, because of things that have happened to them rather than because of their own abilities. Despite this, many go on to achieve great things in life.

"It is crucial that we support all care leavers to fulfil their potential, making sure they are treated fairly and face no discrimination. I hope everyone in Cornwall will join us in celebrating National Care Leavers Week and think about how they can CARE."

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