A care leaver is a young person between the ages of 16 and 25 who has at some point been looked after away from their family.
The period between being in care and then becoming a care leaver can be a very daunting experience, especially at such a young age.
As part of Care leavers week we have invited some of our young care leavers to share their experiences, advice, their stories, and their plans and aspirations for the future.
We have been extremely moved by some of the young people’s accounts and other than small changes to in some cases maintain anonymity, the inspiring words spoken are by the young care leavers themselves.
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All care leavers were asked the same questions, and the answers show that their personal circumstances and personalities have meant that they have all had quite different experiences to each other.
We hope that their words will offer comfort, advice and inspiration to other young adults in similar situations…
I’m 22 years old currently studying football coaching and management at UCFB whilst working as supervisor at Trespass.
Work in social care and be the lifeline your community needs.
I love playing competitive team sports such as football, basketball but I play footy for a women’s team in Salford and also at university.
My hobbies are most sports but mainly team sports as they’re more competitive. I like hanging with my mates from university and outside of uni. I like cooking healthy food and also love drawing as it helps to relax.
I can’t remember the exact age I came into care but I’ve been in the care system since a very very young age and still am.
The experience was very scary and not the best at first but times heal you and let’s you understand the situation and how care can actually help you a lot with everything you wanna achieve in life.
My foster carers always told me to be very independent before moving out and doing everything myself so this experience was amazing for me. I love being independent and doing everything myself.
I’m currently at university and working as supervisor but I’d love to be a coach for Manchester City community when finishing university.
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I enjoy a good laugh with my close mates and long walks with my dogs and am happier being with animals than people as they give me comfort whereas people give me drama.
I love reading and creative writing. Binge watching is something i could win a medal in and I love to draw. Dancing and music is my life.
I was 8 years old turning 9 when I came into care
The experience was stressful and traumatic but i had good people who are around me and helped ease me into it. They helped me have a good life and as hard as it was to adjust I’m so grateful for the help and support they’ve given me
It was very difficult but the support they give you is unreal if it’s possible they make it happen they are there for every blip or need after giving you a good push and really do go above and beyond to help you with your independence journey, they’re always friendly and reassuring and support you to no end. If you ask for help they will to the best of their ability.
Thanks to the leaving care team and they’re support I am a cleaner at a high school and awaiting a property so not only have they given me the support to get back into work they have given me the confidence to move out. Id love to go to university to do a creative writing course to see where it takes me.
If you are a care leaver and would like advice please contact: The Leaving Care Team on 01978295610
If you would like more information on becoming a foster carer please contact: Taylor Downes 01978295316 , Taylor.Downes@wrexham.gov.uk
If you would like to find more information on offering supported lodgings, please contact: Sara Jones – sara.jones@wrexham.gov.uk, 01978295320
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