November is National Care Leavers Month, and Trafford Council is running a programme of events to support and empower young people who have grown up in care and are now making their way in the world as young adults.
These include workshops on CV writing, interview skills and managing finances, plus information sessions bringing together professionals from housing, health services, education, employment and training services, to offer advice and guidance to care experienced young people.
Care Leavers Month is also an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements of Trafford’s care experienced young people and adults. This began at Greater Manchester Care Leaver Awards, where an impressive 24 young people from Trafford were nominated and five shortlisted for awards.
Care experienced young people also had the chance to attend GMI Construction Cares DIY Workshop, thanks to a collaboration between the Council, Trafford College and partners GMI. Over the course of three days, the 35 young people who attended tried their hand at painting and decorating, tiling, plumbing and electrics, and were given advice about how to pursue these options at college and via apprenticeships.
Cllr Karina Carter, Trafford’s Executive Member for Babies, Children and Young People, said:
"We are ambitious for all the young people in Trafford who have grown up in care, and as their corporate parents it’s important that we provide the guidance, information and opportunity that all parents would want for their young people. We know that parenting doesn’t end when young people reach 18, and we continue to be there for them well into adulthood.
“We do of course support our care experienced young people all year round, but Care Leavers Month gives us the chance to really focus on them. It was particularly special to attend the Greater Manchester Care Leavers awards with a wonderful group of young people, who despite many challenges in their early lives have shown huge resilience and strength to get to where they are today.
“This month’s workshops and information sessions are open to all care experienced young people in Trafford, and I would encourage anyone who would find them useful to join us and take advantage of all the support on offer.”
James Bruce from GMI Construction said:
“At GMI Construction, we’re proud to support the next generation through our GMI Construction Cares DIY Workshop, delivered in partnership with Trafford College and Trafford Council. This valuable collaboration provided 35 care leavers with the opportunity to learn practical DIY and life skills that will serve them for years to come.
“A huge thank you to Trafford College and Trafford Council for their support and commitment — investing in young people and giving back to the communities where we work is at the heart of what we do.”
Tracey Wood, Chief Commercial Officer at Trafford and Stockport College Group, said:
“At Trafford and Stockport College Group, we’re proud to play our part in supporting care experienced young people to build confidence, learn practical skills and explore future career opportunities. Initiatives like the DIY Skills Week are about much more than trying something new – they’re about unlocking potential and showing young people that there is a place for them in every industry.
"We’re committed to working with partners like Trafford Council and GMI Construction to ensure that care leavers are supported, inspired, and empowered to shape their own futures.”
Find the full Trafford Care Leavers Month programme of activity online.