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National Care Leavers Week

Barnardo's wants to raise awareness of the challenges that young people face when they leave care
Barnardo's is raising awareness of the challenges that vulnerable young people face when leaving care.

Barnardo's protects and supports the UK's most vulnerable children and young people. Last year the charity directly supported more than 358,800 children, young people and families across more than 800 services guided by one simple aim: to provide the best outcome for every child, no matter who they are or what they have been through.

Barnardo's helps children, young people and their families in many ways. It provides support for care-experienced children and young people, those affected by trauma of sexual abuse and exploitation, LGBTQ young people and children at risk of homelessness. At a time when more young people need specialist help with complex issues like sexual abuse, mental health problems and serious violence, the charity's work is more vital than ever. It offers information and direct support with fostering and adoption and specialist workers support families who are experiencing domestic abuse, mental health issues, seeking asylum and much more.

National Care Leavers Week

Leaving home is a challenge for everyone, but young people leaving care often do so without the support of a loving family. 11,000 young people leave care every year in the UK. They often find themselves isolated, alone, and unable to find help. For vulnerable young people, having a safe and stable home is a crucial factor in their journey to independence. Yet too often young people leaving the care system face a cliff edge when they turn 18. Many leave full-time education, lose access to specialist support for their mental health, and leave their foster family all at the same time, and are often expected to live in accommodation that is unsuitable and sometimes unsafe.

That's why Barnardo's helps young people bridge the gap between residential or foster care and living in the adult world.

This week (25-31 October) is National Care Leavers Week and Barnardo's wants to raise awareness of the challenges that these young people face and the much-needed support they provide to help them:

  • find somewhere to live,
  • manage their money,
  • continue with education,
  • find work or training, and
  • access ongoing support and counselling after leaving care.

They Can't Do It Without Your Help

The players of People's Postcode Lottery have supported Barnardo's since 2018, helping them be there for more vulnerable children, young people and their families. Thank you for helping Barnardo's make their futures brighter.

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Published: 25/10/2021

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