Combined Authority takes action to support care leavers

Combined Authority takes action to support care leavers

Mayor Nik Johnson said:

“One of my key pledges to you as Mayor is to help create a strong sense of place and cultural identity for our region.  It is so important that people who have been through the care system can find their place in the world and have the same chances as everyone else to access education and careers.

“At the Combined Authority we are absolutely committed to shining a light on this vital issue.  We currently provide a bursary for care leavers enrolled on our courses as well as work experience, apprenticeship opportunities and carers advice.  We are signing the ‘care leaver employment charter’ and will take proactive measures to help care experienced people find employment opportunities with us.  We urge other employers in the area to do the same and will continue to raise awareness and beat the drum for better opportunities for care leavers through our ongoing engagement with local businesses.”

“My vision is to improve opportunities for everyone in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to live fair and fulfilling lives with better transport, exciting job opportunities and good health.”

Deputy Mayor Anna Smith said:

“As both a former teacher and school leader, and as a councillor, I’m only too aware of the additional barriers that care leavers face in pursuing job opportunities and further or higher education once they leave the system. At the Combined Authority we are committed to working together with our partners across the region to give care leavers the best possible chance to live richer, more fulfilling lives, building on the crucial work already being done by constituent councils. As well as ensuring care leavers can access the right training and education, we will work with businesses to understand how we can support care leavers to take up exciting life long careers.”