November is recognised nationally as Care Leavers Month, an annual campaign dedicated to celebrating care-experienced young people, acknowledging their achievements, and raising awareness of the challenges they face. In support of this, the council has updated its local offer for care leavers on its website, detailing a range of services designed to assist them in preparing for adult life and independent living. This includes guidance on wellbeing, education, employment, accommodation, finances, and relationships.
A three-month pilot offering free bus travel for care leavers in Brighton & Hove, launched in September, has proven highly successful. The scheme aims to help young people access employment, training, healthcare, and social connections. So far, 116 care leavers have enrolled, making an average of nine to ten journeys weekly. Participants reported significant benefits, including cost savings, improved access to essential services, and increased independence.
Throughout November, buildings across the city will be illuminated in blue to honour National Care Leavers Month. Care leavers, or those approaching care, are encouraged to speak with their Personal Adviser or Social Worker to learn about the support available through the Leaving Care service, which will also be hosting various events.
“"This Care Leavers Month we’re recognising the uniqueness, strength, resilience and achievements of our care leavers across Brighton and Hove. We know the transition from growing up in care to independent living can be a difficult period, with housing, mental health, education, work and managing money all posing challenges for care leavers. We take our role as a corporate parent incredibly seriously, and we're committed to supporting young people in care as they move to independent living so they can go on to be happy, healthy and fulfilled."
Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of the Council, emphasised the council's commitment to supporting care leavers, highlighting the recognition of care leaver status as a Protected Characteristic in 2023 to combat discrimination. She stated the council continually seeks to improve life for care leavers, citing the free bus pass as an example, and aims for Brighton & Hove to be a place where care-experienced young people feel valued, included, and hopeful.
Further support is available through the Brighton & Hove Children in Care Council and Care Leavers Forum, which provide a safe space for care-experienced young people to socialise and offer feedback to social services. Additionally, a local group organises the Brighton & Hove Care Leavers Christmas Dinner, offering a special celebration for young care leavers.
National Care Leavers Month also features book launches, including 'Mole’s Move' by Dr Lisa Cherry OBE and 'In Care and Incredible' by Dr Rosie Canning & Dr Dee Michell, with signed copies available. The charity Become is hosting a series of free webinars on topics such as rights and entitlements, UCAS applications, and wellbeing at university on 5, 18, and 25 November.
