Care leaver mental health research

From 2020-2024 The Care Leavers Association was a partner in the EXIT research project, led by Warwick University, which explored what helps or hinders innovation in relation to leaving care services. As part of this work, we undertook some direct research with organisations who had developed innovative responses to improving the mental health and wellbeing of care leavers. The report highlights that there are many different approaches that can be taken in this area.

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Darren Coyne

It is with great sadness that we announce that Care Leavers Association (CLA) Project Manager Darren Coyne has died this morning, after a short illness. Darren was one of a kind. He was a straight-talking Yorkshireman who cared passionately about improving the lives of care experienced people of all ages. Prepared to tell truth to power, he was also an amazing support worker for individual care leavers and for groups of care leavers. He could, and did, work with anyone in the cause of helping care leavers, from members of the House of Lords to young care leavers in the criminal justice system in need of support. Wherever he went,… Read More

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Photo Voice

We are working in partnership with Photo Voice to explore the perspectives of care-experienced young people of different ages across England and Wales. The project uses photography and storytelling as a tool for advocacy and self-expression, as participants reflect on their perspective of what they need from relevant support services and provisions. We are looking for care leavers over 25 to take part in workshops for the next stage of the project which will provide participants opportunities to learn photographic storytelling skills to reflect on, and respond to, other participant insights into the care system. This is open to people with no photography skills and those with photography skills. Information… Read More

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