Young care leavers in Cambridgeshire supported by Police Commissioner’s Fund

YOUNG people leaving care have received funding from Police and Crime Commissioner, Jason Ablewhite to help them move into further education, training or work.

The Commissioner announced the £3,000 funding today (Tues 29^th October) at Kings Ripton Court in Huntingdon to mark National Care Leaver’s Week which runs from 28 October to 3 November.

Through mentoring, training opportunities and activities that promote wellbeing, each individual is supported to take their next step towards independent living. For many young people, this step is employment or further study.

Cambridgeshire County Council will use the money to purchase a number of bikes to help young adults who have been in care without access to transport to get to a work place, a college or a university to enable them to live independently.

Over the last six months, Police and Crime Commissioner, Jason Ablewhite has funded a total of 16 projects helping young people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to thrive in their local communities.

“It’s amazing how a relatively small amount of money can make such a difference to the health and wellbeing of young people,” explains the Commissioner.

“Being able to help young people progress and support themselves is what my Youth and Community Fund is all about.”

Cllr Simon Bywater, Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Children and Young People Committee, said: “For care leavers, moving into adulthood can be a particularly vulnerable time and it’s important we do all we can to protect and guide them while they go on to live independently.
“This is one of a number of new projects we are working on to ensure any obstacles preventing care leavers from accessing education, employment or training are removed while improving their health and wellbeing at the same time.
“We would like to encourage local organisations looking to take part in community projects to get in touch as we know there is so much more that can be done to develop support for the young adults who have been in our care.”
The Commissioner’s Youth and Community Fund, now in its 4^th year, supports young people to actively participate and contribute where they live, helping them to become positive citizens and lead more fulfilling lives. The Fund is open to voluntary and community organisations who can apply for grants of up to £3,000 towards their project. More information about the terms and conditions of the funding.

Kings Ripton Court is a Salvation Army Lifehouse in Huntingdon that offers a safe and supportive place to call home for vulnerable young people aged 16-25.

Currently, nine out of 32 residents were referred to The Salvation Army because they were leaving care.