Celebrating Cornwall’s Care Leavers: Events Showcase Achievements and Support

Photo: Cllrs James Mustoe and Peter Guest (centre and right) with Duncan Williams of Carefree Cornwall at the Corporate Parenting Board Takeover Day, making Halloween cookies for care leavers in attendance.

Cornwall’s care leavers took centre stage during National Care Leavers Week with a series of events aimed at recognising their achievements and highlighting the vital support they receive. Organised in partnership with Cornwall Council and Carefree Cornwall, the week underscored the ongoing commitment to care leavers across the region.

Celebrating Accomplishments and Building Support

Throughout the week, care leavers in Cornwall participated in a range of activities, from outdoor adventures and creative workshops to sports and cooking sessions. Among the events was a Corporate Parenting Board Takeover Day in Redruth, where young people had the chance to voice their priorities for Cornwall directly to council members.

Councillors James Mustoe and Peter Guest from the council’s children and families overview and scrutiny committee joined the young people, lending a hand in making Halloween-themed cookies. Reflecting on the event, James expressed gratitude for the insights shared, noting, “It was great to hear from the young people about what we are doing right and what we could do better, as well as getting the opportunity to join them in the kitchen to bake some delicious cookies. I look forward to continuing to work with all involved to ensure young people in care and care leavers in Cornwall are fully supported.”

Recognising Care Experience as a ‘Protected Characteristic’

One year ago, Cornwall Council’s cabinet made a landmark decision to recognise care experience as a ‘protected characteristic,’ furthering protections for care leavers. This decision effectively added a tenth characteristic to the nine under the Equality Act 2010, a step that aligns Cornwall with the highest standards of care and support for young people leaving care.

Mari Eggins, chief executive of Carefree Cornwall, highlighted the importance of National Care Leavers Week as a time to remember that supporting care leavers is a collective responsibility. “Care Leavers Week is so important because it reminds us all in Cornwall that children in care and care leavers need to be supported by all parts of the ‘corporate parent’, both within the council and by the council’s partners across Cornwall,” she said.

Cornwall’s Commitment to Outstanding Care Services

With its children’s social services already rated ‘outstanding’ in support for care leavers, Cornwall Council’s approach to recognising care experience reinforces its commitment to providing some of the country’s best care services. National Care Leavers Week shines a spotlight on this support network and the achievements of care leavers in Cornwall who are paving the way for future generations.

For further information on Cornwall Council’s care support, visit supporting young people leaving care. To learn more about the work of Carefree Cornwall, visit www.carefreecornwall.org.uk.

Photo: Cllrs James Mustoe and Peter Guest (centre and right) with Duncan Williams of Carefree Cornwall at the Corporate Parenting Board Takeover Day, making Halloween cookies for care leavers in attendance.