A “Celebrating Care Leavers – Making A Difference Together” conference was held at Canalside in Bridgwater last Wednesday (12 March 2025), to shine a light on the support and opportunities available to young people leaving care in Somerset.
The event aimed to empower care leavers and foster a collaborative environment for their future success.
Somerset is home to over 350 care leavers aged 18 to 25, and the conference provided a platform to celebrate their achievements, understand their challenges, and explore how the business community can offer real, lasting support.
The event was presented by members of the Somerset in Care and Leaving Care Councils (SiCC and SLCC), who delivered powerful performances and shared their personal journeys of resilience and visions for the future.
Among those presenting at the event was Connor, a care leaver who has gone on to travel the world. As a keynote speaker, Connor shared his story with remarkable vulnerability and courage, inspiring many with his journey.
Representatives from Mulberry and delegates from Somerset Council also discussed the services available to care leavers in Somerset. Attendees were treated to a performance of an original song, “Promises,” by Rayah, who wrote about her experiences in the care system.
Supported by Somerset Community Foundation and CCLA, the UK’s largest charity investment manager, participants learned about successful initiatives led by local businesses and organisations.
Addressing the audience to discuss positive developments and specific needs of care leavers were key leaders, including:
- Cllr Heather Shearer, Somerset Council Executive Lead for Children, Families and Education
- Claire Winter, Director of Children’s Services for Somerset Council
- Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council, and
- Justin Sargent OBE DL, Chief Executive of Somerset Community Foundation.
Heather emphasised the importance of community support, stating:
Our care leavers are resilient and full of potential. With the right support, they can achieve incredible things. It’s crucial that we, as a community, come together to provide the guidance, opportunities, and encouragement they need to thrive.
Every small act of support can make a significant difference in their lives.
A young care leaver shared her thoughts, saying,
Leaving care can be scary, but events like this show us that we’re not alone. The support from the community and the opportunities we have seen today have given me motivation and have shown me I can achieve anything I want to.
For those who couldn’t attend, there are still opportunities to pledge support and make a difference in the lives of care leavers by making your pledge.
Additionally, resources such as Somerset Leaving Care Local Offer for education, training, and employment, and the SiCC and SLCC Care Councils’ website provide further information and ways to get involved.
