Young people leaving care in Stoke-on-Trent are set to benefit from new support to help them find secure jobs and homes as they move into adulthood.
Research shows care leavers are among the most vulnerable groups in society. They often face barriers to education, employment and stable housing and are at greater risk of poor health and wellbeing.
Following feedback from care leavers and partner agencies, the council is set to approve four immediate enhancements to its local offer. These are:
- Council Tax Support – an exemption for young care leavers - which already applies in Stoke-on-Trent - would be extended to people from the city who live elsewhere.
- Digital Inclusion – a funded broadband scheme for care leavers aged 18–21 to give access greater access to education, employment and essential services.
- Transport Support – free or subsidised public transport to help care leavers access education, jobs, healthcare and social opportunities.
- Employment Pathways – a commitment to create at least 10 apprenticeships within the council for care leavers.
Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Care leavers deserve the same opportunities as any other young person.
“The move to adulthood can be difficult and it’s vital that we continue to break down barriers and create real opportunities for our care leavers to succeed.
“We’re committed to treating our young people exactly as any good parent would treat their children – with care, respect and support. Our ambition is clear. We want Stoke-on-Trent to be the best city in the country for care leavers.”
Brooke Chomyn, a care leaver who now works for the city council as a Resource Controller following completion of an apprenticeship, welcomed the improvements, saying: “These changes will make a real difference as transport and lack of reliable internet are major barriers for a lot of care leavers. Taking up an apprenticeship helped me take control of my own future, and pathways that guarantee those places to people like me are exactly what’s needed.”
Looking ahead, the council will establish an independently chaired Local Offer Board to drive further improvements in housing support, financial inclusion, mentoring and fundraising.
This builds on work over the past year to strengthen partnerships through the council’s Corporate Parenting Board, which brings together public, voluntary, community and business organisations. The board focuses on helping cared-for children and care-experienced young people prepare for independent living, access safe and stable homes, share their views, co-produce services, and gain better access to training and employment opportunities.
For more information about the Local Offer for care leavers, visit: https://families.stoke.gov.uk/careleavers
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