Care leaver campaigner champions Nottinghamshire's Local Offer providing support and opportunity for vulnerable young people
A care leaver has championed Nottinghamshire’s Local Offer programme, which provides support and opportunity to young people.
Terry Galloway, a campaigner for care leavers, is urging other local authorities to follow Newark and Sherwood District Council’s example in providing the best support possible to care leavers as they enter adulthood.
As someone who was in care throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, he was instrumental in advising on the Local Offer.
The Local Offer for care leavers in Nottinghamshire provides support and guidance on a host of subjects, with tips to help young people make good decisions about their futures.
“My mission now is to create a better pathway for children in care and care leavers so they have the support they need, akin to the support we would give our own children,” said Terry Galloway.
“I grew up in care myself and by the time I left, I had lived in over 100 places and I was not prepared for leaving — I often felt safer in care compared to when I left.
“That is why we are trying to fix it for the whole country,” he said.
It will also help care leavers aged 16 to 25 understand the support they can receive from councils and the community.
They will benefit from council tax being waived to the age of 25, financial support while at university, including £3,465 a year towards fees and accommodation, accessible support with childcare costs while working or studying, and help with securing a £1,000 apprenticeship bursary.
Terry said giving care leavers the tools to get into education and employment helps to overcome some of the barriers young people are often confronted with.
He said: “Care leavers do not have the same opportunities as other people, which is why we need to prepare them for interview processes and employment.
“Newark and Sherwood District Council has done well with this as it has more offers for jobs and apprenticeships than actual care leavers.
“Every single 16-year-old is going to get 40 hours’ work experience with the Local Offer programme, where they will hopefully be offered a job at the end of the placement.”
Nottinghamshire County Council has worked with the seven district councils — including Newark and Sherwood — and care leavers, to develop the initiative.
John Robinson, chief executive of Newark and Sherwood District Council, backs the Local Offer.
“Those of us who are parents know only too well that we don’t suddenly stop supporting our children when they reach 18,” he said.
“Young people leaving residential care can often face a range of disadvantages and the Local Offer seeks to level the playing field with their peers and give young people leaving care the encouragement and support they need to fulfil their potential.”
To further opportunities on offer, the district offers free leisure centre membership for care leavers.
Terry said this creates a safe place for vulnerable people and allows them to form good relationships and make community links.
Terry is organising a #thebigconvoy event for September 28, where 582 children in care across the East Midlands will be taken by coach to Alton Towers, allowing them to meet others in similar situations.
Details about the Local Offer can be found here.
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