A Conservative-led motion calling for more support for care leavers was debated at the most recent Full Council meeting at Mid Sussex District Council. It called for the authority to explore ways of working with the West Sussex Care Leavers service that would enhance its current offer to care leavers.
The motion, led by Cllr Jacquie Russell (East Grinstead Town Ward) who is also a County Councillor and the West Sussex Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Learning and Skills, means that Mid Sussex will now seek to work with the West Sussex Care Leaver Service to find ways to support a range of new initiatives for Care Leavers such as the provision of a shopfront-facing community base, offering communal space to meet, complete with laundry facility, life-skills opportunities, Wifi and a place to liaise with Leaving Care Personal Advisors.
The motion, also asked for a space for the county council’s Youth Emotional Support Service to meet local children; alongside free access to council-run gym/leisure centre/swimming pools, to support young people’s health and wellbeing.
Cllr Russell also proposed ring-fenced apprenticeship opportunities to be provided by the District for any Care Leaver who wants to explore this as an alternative employment education and training option.
“I am delighted that this council has unanimously agreed to explore these initiatives”, said Cllr Russell. “Officers continue to work directly with West Sussex Children's Services to find ways to further enhance the County Council’s current offer to Care Leavers, which will overall contribute to the ambition to improve outcomes for all our young people leaving care."
The proposal was seconded by fellow East Grinstead Conservative, Cllr John Belsey who acknowledged the partnership work already underway between the District Council and County Council with respect to the provision of accommodation for care leavers.
Cllr Russell concluded "The saying, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ is well known proverb that underlines the importance of forging a community of connected adults to nurture our children safely into adulthood. As a community of connected Councillors, I would ask the same"
All 40 councillors at the meeting supported the motion.
