Join Us in Making a Difference for Care Leavers in Liverpool

LIVERPOOL City Council is inviting businesses and individuals across the City to an inspiring and impactful conference:- "Celebrating Care Leavers: Making a Difference Together," dedicated to supporting young people leaving care.

The Council, supported by Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Richard Kemp, is calling on organisations to join a movement that empowers young people who have overcome extraordinary challenges.

The business community has a pivotal role in providing opportunities and support to care experienced young people, and participation is crucial to making a lasting impact.

Liverpool is home to over 700 care leavers aged:- 18 to 25, with many experiencing barriers. The conference is a unique chance to celebrate their achievements, understand their challenges, and explore how the business community can offer real, lasting support.

During the event care leavers will take part in powerful performances and share their personal journeys of resilience and their visions for the future.

Attendees will also hear from key leaders including:- Cllr Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, and Jenny Turnross, Director of Children and Young People's Services, who will discuss positive developments and specific needs of care leavers.

They will also learn about successful initiatives led by organisations such as:- John Lewis, Everton in the Community, and Liverpool FC Foundation.

This conference is not just about discussion, it's about action. The Council's aim is to foster a collaborative environment where ideas are shared, best practices are exchanged, and innovative solutions are developed.

On the day, businesses are encouraged:- to pledge their support for care leavers in any way they can. Whether it's a follow up discussion with the service, connecting care leavers with mentors, offering access to enriching experiences like tickets to:- cultural, sporting, and community events, or facilitating work experience opportunities. Every contribution helps to broaden horizons and foster a sense of belonging.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool Cllr Richard Kemp:- "I'm proud to be hosting this event in partnership with Liverpool City Council, CCLA, an investment manager for charities, faith based organisations and local authorities, and with active involvement from care leavers themselves. We want to bring together key stakeholders to listen and address the unique challenges these young people face. Supporting care leavers is a cause deeply important to me, and I have dedicated my term to this vital work. As Lord Mayor I have created a:- £100,000 a year fund, for 3 years, to support care leavers. This fund, made possible by generous contributions from the Lancashire and Merseyside Community Foundation, is providing small grants to care leavers. I will continue to focus on raising awareness and creating opportunities to empower care leavers. I invite all our partners and the community to join me in making a lasting impact on their lives."

Jenny Turnross, Director of Liverpool City Council's Children and Young People's Services:- "We're thrilled that the Lord Mayor has chosen to support care leavers across the City during his year in office and we're excited to be supporting this really important event. We envision a community where care leavers are fully supported, empowered, and able to thrive. We encourage our partners and local businesses to join us in making a meaningful difference in their journey towards independence and success."

Care home worker's marathon effort for charity

SFAFF and residents at Sutton Grange in Banks near Southport are getting ready to cheer because in a couple of weeks a brave member of their team will be taking on the gruelling Great North Run to raise money for Barchester's Charitable Foundation. The Foundation supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health problems by helping them to connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.

On Sunday, 8 September, Divisional Sales and Marketing Manager, Amy Melia, will lace up her trainers and use sheer grit and determination to complete the 13.1 mile half-marathon course. The race starts in Newcastle upon Tyne and takes thousands of runners over the iconic Tyne Bridge finishing up in South Shields. Amy will be running in order to raise funds for Barchester's Charitable Foundation which helps combat loneliness and isolation.

Amy has worked for Barchester Healthcare for over 5 years and absolutely loves her job. No stranger to a fundraising challenge, when she knew she had secured a place in the Great North Run, she knew she needed to get serious! Amy immediately embarked on a strict 20 week training regime with a personal trainer. She has been weight lifting, hill running and interval training, running different distances at different paces, all to ensure she makes it over the finish line and raises as much money as she possibly can.

Amy comments:- "This is my 1st time doing the Great North Run and I'm really excited to take part. I have been running on and off for years and I absolutely love it, but this is definitely the longest distance I have ever taken on. I'm hoping to raise lots of money for the Foundation. I know all the staff, residents and relatives at Sutton Grange plus my family and friends are behind me and their support plus the money I'm raising will help me go the distance!"