As we observe National Care Leaver Week, Sunbeam Fostering Services is proud to join the conversation around the challenges and triumphs of care leavers across the UK. This week is about celebrating the resilience and potential of young people who have spent time in foster care and are now making their way toward independence. It’s also a time to recognize the importance of continued support, and to highlight the resources available to help care leavers thrive.

Leaving care can be a daunting experience, as it involves transitioning from a support system to independent living, often at a younger age than most people face similar changes. National Care Leaver Week provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the ways we can support care leavers and ensure that they feel equipped for the future.

Here are some valuable online resources that can offer practical support and guidance for care leavers:

Care Leaver Convent

The Care Leaver Covenant is a national inclusion programme that supports care leavers aged 16-25 to live independently. They create meaningful opportunities for care leavers in five key areas and support care leavers to access those opportunities.

Become Charity

This national charity offers resources, advice, and a helpline specifically for young people in and leaving care.

The Care Leavers’ Association

The association advocates for care leavers’ rights and provides a community where they can connect, share stories, and seek support.

Rees Foundation

Rees provides emotional and practical support, housing advice, and help with finding training and employment.

National Youth Advocacy Service NYAS

NYAS provides advocacy for care-experienced young people, helping them navigate legal matters, access their rights, and find support.

UCAS Care Leavers’ Guide

UCAS has a guide for care leavers applying to university, with information on additional funding and bursaries.

YoungMinds

A mental health resource that provides guidance and support for young people dealing with stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

Gov.uk– Benefits and Allowances

Here, care leavers can find information about available benefits, including Jobseeker’s Allowance, Universal Credit, and housing benefits.

Building a Brighter Future Together

At Sunbeam Fostering, we are committed to ensuring that care leavers are equipped with the skills, resources, and confidence they need to navigate this next chapter. National Care Leaver Week serves as a reminder that, with the right support, young people can achieve amazing things. We are proud to be part of their journey and will continue to stand alongside them, every step of the way.

If you or someone you know is a care leaver in need of support, please reach out to Sunbeam Fostering. Our community is here to provide guidance, friendship, and resources to ensure a smooth transition to independence.

Written By- Nishtha Singh(Digital Marketing Officer)