This National Care Leavers' Month, Derbyshire County Council is celebrating care experienced young people across Derbyshire
Throughout November, a programme of events and activities will highlight the talents and aspirations of care leavers and raise awareness of the support available to help them achieve successes and their goals.
This year’s theme is: "Leading the Way: From Experience to Empowerment"
Young people leaving care often face additional barriers and the county council is committed to supporting them and helping them succeed.
This includes the Leaving Care Team which is highlighting its partnership with Severn Trent to provide opportunities for work experience and mentoring.
Young people take part in two weeks of work experience and employability training, followed by 12 months of career mentoring, helping them build confidence, develop workplace skills and prepare for their future careers.
Celebrations during the month will also see council staff and young people playing a friendly football match at Queen's Park, Chesterfield, to celebrate inclusion and participation.
The event will also highlight Derbyshire's success at the National Care Experienced Football Tournament in June, where young people competed alongside teams from 32 local authorities.
Players will be invited to share their experiences and celebrate their achievement.
It is also National Supported Lodgings Week (9 – 16 November) and the council is celebrating the people who open up their homes to provide a safe, stable place for young people to live and encouraging others to give it a go.
Supported Lodgings provides accommodation and support for care experienced young people aged 16 to 21 as they prepare for interdependent living, learning life skills such as budgeting, cooking, maintaining a home, managing appointments and accessing education or employment opportunities.
To find out more or apply visit: Supported lodging - Foster for East Midlands Councils
The month will culminate with an awards and celebration event being held at Chesterfield Football Club on Wednesday 25th November, recognising the achievements of care experienced young people.
Councillor Paul Maginnis, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “"National Care Leavers Month is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements, resilience and ambition of our care experienced young people.
“From gaining valuable work experience and employment opportunities to sporting success and developing interdependence through Supported Lodgings, we are proud of everything they accomplish.
“I'd also like to thank our partners, hosts, employers and dedicated staff whose support helps young people build confidence, realise their potential and look forward to bright futures."