Council House to be lit up in blue to recognise care leavers

It ties in with National Care Leavers Month, which has been running throughout November.

The local authority hosted an opening event on November 3, and also organised a coffee morning and raffle fundraiser on November 11. It raised £637.60 and brought people together to raise funds for a care leavers drop in space.

The support will continue into December with the annual Care Leavers’ Wish List campaign.

An Amazon wish list has been created containing presents for care leavers, with people able to click online and buy gifts for them.

Councillor Wayne Little, cabinet member for children and young people, said:

“Lighting up the council house is a symbolic gesture which highlights our commitment to supporting young people leaving the care system, and raising awareness of their journeys.

“I would also like to encourage people to take part in our Christmas wish list campaign.

“It has been a great success in recent years with fantastic generosity shown by residents across the borough. We received some wonderful feedback last year on how much the presents meant to our young people.

“Gifts on the wish list start from just over £1 and I know they will all be very gratefully received.”

To donate, go to https://www.amazon.co.uk/registries/gl/guest-view/16VJTYJ0NIS6X?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_ZE2G22NDD5APXZJGQ1XD.