We are working together with Cambridge University to research mental health needs of young people with social care involvement. As part of this work, we are looking at the support provided to young people who have suicidal thoughts. We are trying to learn more about the experiences of suicidal thoughts and self-harm among adults with a history of social care involvement to better understand how services can adapt to better meet the needs of social care-experienced young people who are experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts. We would love for you to help us if you: 1. Are between 18-30 years old 2. Have had experience of social care involvement before… Read More
Continue ReadingIan Dickson
By David Graham (National Director) of The Care Leavers Association The recent death of Ian Dickson, a long-term campaigner for improvements in support for looked after children and care leavers, has prompted a plethora of memories from those who knew him. I decided to write this appreciation of Ian in order to reflect on, and record, our relationship with him over many years. I wanted to add to the record my perspective on some of the varied ways in which Ian’s positive impact affected people around him. Ever since Ian first joined the Care Leavers Association, many years ago, he has always remained supportive and encouraging of our work. Such… Read More
Continue ReadingNational Gathering 30th March
The Care Leavers Association National Gathering and AGM will take place on 30th March 2019 at The Friends Meeting House Manchester. Join us from 1:30 for some lunch with proceedings starting at 2. This year the theme is Building Connections: Reducing Loneliness. Our key note speaker is Ian Dickson. Care leaver, retired residential care manager and Ofsted inspector, many of you will know Ian from his tireless campaigning to improve outcomes for care leavers. Ian is an inspiring person and speaker. Come and be uplifted and energised by what he has to say. We will be having an open discussion to talk about connections and loneliness. If you would like… Read More
Continue ReadingGood News
The CLA has recently received funding for 2 new projects. The Big Lottery is funding us through its Building Connections Fund to tackle loneliness and isolation. We will work over 2 years to establish an online digital network to help care leavers across the country to connect and support each other. The Igen Trust is funding us to develop a project to improve the mental health of young care leavers. We will be working with care leavers in Sheffield and Greater Manchester as well as with the local universities to deliver group work and individual support. More information on these projects will be released soon.
Continue ReadingCare Leavers in Focus Opportunity
The Care Leavers Association is working in a partnership led by award winning charity PhotoVoice exploring the experiences of people who have gone through the care system. In partnership with 3 charities, the project will use photography to explore the experiences of adults who have left care (25+). Cameras will be provided, and no photographic experience is necessary – the insights shared through the 8 weekly workshops will help PhotoVoice develop new toolkits designed to improve the care system and support those currently in care. Drawing on PhotoVoice’s extensive experience in participatory photography and participatory-led engagement, participants will be trained in digital photography and media, storytelling and self-advocacy. They will be supported to… Read More
Continue ReadingSharing experiences across the pond about accessing Care Records
Today the Care Leavers’ Association shared experiences and the history of accessing care files in the UK with Jacob Rasmussen from the Danish Welfare Museum. This included talking about the process of accessing care files in the UK and also the importance of being able to access the vital piece of history and identity for each person who has care experience. At the Danish Welfare Museum they have been helping many care leaver to access their care files in Denmark. We hope to see Jacob again soon, and wish him well on his travels.
Continue ReadingGreater Manchester Care Leaver Awards
On 17th October 2017; the RNCM hosted the 5th Annual Greater Manchester Care Leaver Awards – which recognises the amazing achievements of young people who have experience of the care system in Greater Manchester, as well as their supporting parents, carers, families and social workers. The awards are coordinated by The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, The University of Salford, The University of Bolton and The Care Leavers Association; and supported by Greater Manchester Higher. About the care leaver awards: The awards ceremony seeks to recognise that many Care Leavers achieve success despite experiencing very difficult circumstances during their lives. Co-organiser Emma Lewis-Kalubowila, who works for the University of… Read More
Continue ReadingCJS Conference
‘Between Care and the Criminal Justice System: Setting the agenda for the next decade’ This event, led by The Care Leavers’ Association (CLA) and with the support of academic partners, will re-visit the position and experience of care leavers within criminal justice settings. Identifying a number of issues which are out of scope in the current discussion, sessions will address the visibility of care leavers in the criminal justice context, the criminalisation of young people in the care system, the issues that present for criminalised adult care leavers across their life course, intersectional understanding of experiences of care and the challenges of disrupting institutional pathways between the care and criminal… Read More
Continue ReadingNew Office
The CLA is currently in the process of moving office. We will be based in a temporary office until our new office has been refurbished. This will be finished at the end of July. Please be patient with us as most of the office will remain in boxes until we move. Our new address is The Care Leavers Association, Beehive Mill, Jersey Stret, Manchester M4 6JG
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