{"id":7506,"date":"2024-10-31T15:23:22","date_gmt":"2024-10-31T15:23:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.depaul.org.uk\/?post_type=blog&p=7506"},"modified":"2024-10-31T15:23:22","modified_gmt":"2024-10-31T15:23:22","slug":"national-care-leavers-week-helping-bridge-the-gap-between-life-in-and-after-care","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.depaul.org.uk\/blog\/national-care-leavers-week-helping-bridge-the-gap-between-life-in-and-after-care\/","title":{"rendered":"National Care Leavers Week: helping bridge the gap between life in and after care\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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For children who grow up in care, turning 18 years old can be daunting. A celebratory birthday that for most would be an exciting and significant turning point is often a time of fear and dread. Suddenly they are expected to navigate life all alone.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

National Care Leavers Week (28 October to 3 November)<\/span> aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced when young people leave the care system, as well as celebrate their resilience and achievements, and champion the support available for them across our communities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most young people on their 18<\/span>th<\/span> birthday still benefit from the support of a family environment, whether that be guidance from a loved one, emotional support, or simply having a roof over their head and food to eat. But for many young care leavers this can all but disappear overnight.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Victoria Mulhern, Service Manager at Depaul UK in Salford, works with young care leavers. She said: \u201cWe\u2019ve seen many young care leavers struggle when support is abruptly cut off. They are still very vulnerable and need ongoing guidance. The emotional toll can be immense, and many will experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2022 a government report showed<\/a>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n