Bridlington Spa to be lit up blue for a very special reason
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is shining a light on care leavers this National Care Leavers’ Week by lighting up Bridlington Spa blue.
National Care Leavers’ Week runs 28 October to 3 November, and Bridlington Spa will be lit up blue in recognition of care leavers.
The council wants to highlight how people, organisations and communities can all help care leavers – young people aged 16 to 25 who have been in local authority care.
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Councillor Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and education said: “The council’s role as a corporate parent is to ensure that young people who are leaving care are supported, and that we deliver the best for them.
“By lighting up Bridlington Spa in blue, we are hoping to make people think about whether they can be a part of helping a care leaver. It is a collective effort and businesses and communities can all help create opportunities for those leaving care. I’d like people to consider if they can offer an apprenticeship, work experience or job opportunities. These can make a really positive impact on a young person’s future.
“Care Leavers’ Week is also a chance to celebrate those who are care experienced and challenge the stigma which can exist.”
Lily is a young person who grew up in foster care. She has gone on to gain 11 GCSEs, 3 A-levels and she is now studying pharmacy at university. She said: “When I tell people that I am a foster child there a lot of preformed stereotypes that come along with that, but I am an example that we don’t have to fit into the stereotypes we are given as foster children.
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“One of my proudest achievements to date is being the care leaver representative on the virtual school governance panel, which I have been a part of since I was in year 11. This means that I sit in on meetings to discuss how people in care are doing in education. I help to provide the insight of a child that has experienced education whilst being in care, this will help the future generations of children in care. Every negative and positive thing that has happened, has moulded me into who I am.”
Tim and Wendy decided to offer supported lodgings following retirement and when their own children had left home. They said: “We’ve helped the young people with healthcare and education and finding part-time jobs. It’s been really fulfilling for us as well as the kids. We’ve had a lot of laughs and we know its been a benefit to the children.”
Lillie, who is care experienced said: “I lived in supported lodgings when I turned 20 and they were the best carers ever, and I couldn’t have thanked them more. I’ve been living on my own for the last six months, working full time and I’m hopefully going to join the Police.
“What I'd say to people is don’t treat us like the care child that you think you know, and you have in your head, because we are all very different. We just want help to get to the next place.”