Essex Businesses are being encouraged to pledge their support for care leavers and help them achieve their full potential in life.
Businesses across Essex are being invited to make a pledge to support care leavers aged 18-years-old and over to take their next step in life.
Support could be in the form of employment, such as an apprenticeship or work experience, or access to services and opportunities, such as free driving lessons, gym memberships or discounted travel.
Care leavers nationally are three times more likely to not be in employment, education or training (NEETs) than their peers.
Essex County Council (ECC) is committed to addressing this locally and ensuring that no child or young person currently receiving or who has left care, is disadvantaged because of their circumstances.
An event is being held between 12.30pm and 3.30pm on Friday 3 February at County Hall, Chelmsford. During it, local businesses will be able to hear more about ECC’s work with care leavers, listen to care leavers about their experiences, and make a pledge of support.
Cllr Mark Platt, ECC’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Early Years said: “As corporate parents, ensuring young people who are or who have been in care can benefit from the same opportunities as their peers is at the heart of our work with children and families.
“We have a duty of care to these young people which lasts beyond their time in care and as they grow into adulthood. Pledging support of any kind is a fantastic way for businesses to truly make a difference to the lives of young people and I’d encourage them to come and find out more.”
Any businesses looking to attend the event should book a place using Eventbrite by Thursday 26 January.
