As the new Apprentice here at Birmingham Children’s Trust, I have been lucky enough to attend many events that have taken place these last few weeks. As a care experienced person myself, I was looking forward to attending the Care Leavers Conference and meeting other young people and seeing how much support we offer.
Thursday 30th May was our Care Leavers Conference. Every year, Care Leavers face unique challenges as they transition from the foster care system into adulthood. These young individuals often lack the support and resources needed to navigate important life milestones successfully. However, there is hope with our amazing events held to support those who need it most.
This event is dedicated to empowering and uplifting Care Leavers in our Trust. Providing them with a transformative experience that equips them with essential skills, connections and inspiration for a brighter future. With many stalls set up on the day, there were plenty of people to offer support and guidance.
Over the course of the day, we got to hear from many professionals about what help their companies offer for Care Leavers. This provided everyone with valuable insights, advice and opportunities with possible future employment. We had a wide range of professionals and job sectors attend some including:
- NHS – Job opportunities
- Hospitality
- Construction
- Amazon warehouse
Recognising the importance of emotional wellbeing is important at the Trust. We had stalls dedicated to offering help and support for those that need it. Care Leavers can access information about counselling services and coping mechanisms for dealing with the emotional challenge they may face. Aiming to empower Care Leavers to prioritise self-care and to seek professional help when needed.
The conference also provided everyone with food from our catering team and lots of sweet treats in between. A huge raffle was also held at the end of the event which I think added an element of excitement after a long day with everyone laughing and smiling, which created a lovely atmosphere.
The Care Leavers Conference is not just a gathering; it is a catalyst for change, providing care experienced young people with the right tools, inspiration, and support they need to navigate the complexities of adulthood successfully. By empowering them and creating a supportive network, we can ensure that every individual in the Trust regardless of their past, has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
