Date published: November 14, 2024
Celebrating care leavers’ achievements
On November 6th and 7th, the National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum (NLCBF), and the Young People’s Benchmarking Forum (YPBMF) hosted their annual Care Leaver and Personal Advisor celebration events in Birmingham and online. These inspiring events, co-produced by care-experienced champions and workers, brought over 180 young people together to celebrate National Care Leavers’ Week.
With the theme ‘All of Us, We Are One’, the events highlighted the importance of supportive communities for care-experienced individuals. Throughout the two days, participants shared stories, celebrated achievements, and enjoyed activities and workshops, both in person and virtually. Highlights included:
- Guest speakers – care-experienced individuals shared their journeys.
- Young people’s panels – discussing mental health, housing, and support for ages 21-25.
- Competitions and awards – honouring the best projects, local heroes, and public speakers.
- Fun activities – including a magic selfie mirror, mug decorating, handprint art, and a chocolate fountain.
- Networking – connecting young people with local authorities, organisations, and peers.
As part of the celebrations, awards were presented to recognise the achievements of young people and services over the past year. Congratulations to all nominees and winners.
Victoria Odude, Shared Lives Plus’s Communication and Engagement Officer and YPBMF Steering Group Representative, who has been actively involved in these events, shared her thoughts:
“I have always loved attending the celebration events with the forum. We really are one big family. It’s lovely to see the other champions and legends (care experienced volunteers from the YPBMF) and catch up. I also love to see professionals from across the UK learning together from young people’s experiences and networking with each other, taking their learning back to their local authorities.”
In her role at Shared Lives Plus, Victoria is working with local authorities, the NHS, and voluntary partners to expand our care leavers programme to 25 areas in England, Scotland, and Wales. Co-designed with young people, this programme provides a stable, supportive home environment for care-experienced young people with learning disabilities, autism, or mental health challenges.
Our trauma-informed approach ensures young people are treated with compassion and respect. The programme offers structured transitions, giving young people the support they need before turning 18, reducing risks during this critical time. Victoria, a care-experienced professional, is leading focus groups and meeting with young people, carers, and scheme workers to ensure our support meets their needs.
