AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF THE EMOTIONAL WELLBEING NEEDS AND EXPERIENCES OF CARE LEAVERS IN ENGLAND

Young people leaving care go through a significant period of change in their lives as they transition into adulthood and out of children's services. Research shows that care leavers experience worse wellbeing outcomes than their non-care experienced peers, particularly in terms of their mental health and markers of wider emotional wellbeing, such as isolation. Although practical and wellbeing support is being offered to care leavers, there is limited statutory guidance on what emotional wellbeing support should be provided. Therefore, a National exploratory study aimed to better understand services that local authorities provide were carried out. The findings indicate support offered across boroughs is highly varied, limited research has been conducted to understand the contributing factors and that care leavers prefer a holistic approach to wellbeing support. I had the opportunity to support and work on this project whilst being the Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Lead at LBBD. My experience of working directly with care leavers and my insight into the surrounding systematic structures contributed to the exploratory work.

Have a read through the full report - I have linked it here (just click on the photo)

Cindie