Warwickshire News Mine

17-year-olds Jaime-Leigh Anderson recently took part in a national pilot called ‘Right 2 B Cared 4’ – a government scheme which gives young people a greater say over when they leave a foster home and start living independently.

Working with Warwickshire County Council’s Integrated Youth Support Services and the Children Service’s team, the pilot offers 14 to 18-year-olds access to respite residential activity schemes, help with finding suitable accommodation, use of independent advocacy services from Barnado’s, the services of a Placement Support Youth Worker and Independent Reviewing Officer.

Jaime-Leigh said: “Warwickshire’s Right 2 B Cared 4 programme has helped me through some very difficult times and has given me a new direction in life.

“With support and guidance, I’ve taken part in a number of opportunities I wouldn’t otherwise have such as volunteering with the Youth and Community Service, gaining a college placement and work experience through Connexions.”

Participants of ‘Warwickshire’s Right 2 B Cared 4’ also take part in various weekend residential trips to Marle Hall as well as holiday activity days at Kingsbury Outdoor Education Centre, which Jaime-Leigh was particularly excited about.

She said: “I’ve really enjoyed the outdoor activities and have decided to take this to the next level. I am hoping to take up an apprenticeship as an Outdoor Education worker at Marle Hall when I finish college.

“In addition, I’ve increased my self-confidence while on ‘Warwickshire’s Right 2 B Cared 4’ and made lots of new friends, so it has really been a worthwhile experience.”

Anna Stowe, Locality Co-ordinator for Warwickshire County Council’s Youth and Community Service, said: “Warwickshire’s Right 2 B Cared 4 programme helps keep the needs of young people in care at the forefront of the national agenda and highlights the success of partnership working in Warwickshire.

“For young people like Jaime-Leigh, it can boost confidence, improve self-esteem and make a number of opportunities available that they might not otherwise have had.”

To find out more about Warwickshire County Council’s Youth and Community Service, visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/youthandcommunity.

Link to WCC