HIWCF hosts Care Leavers Round Table
Following the recent launch of our three year funding programme for care leavers, we were delighted to host a Care Leavers Round Table. Professionals from a range of sectors came together to share their experiences of how services can be shaped to provide the best possible support for care leavers transitioning into independent living.
Nick Adams-King, Leader of the Council at Hampshire County Council, welcomed attendees and shared his personal experience of the care system. He put a spotlight on the additional challenges that young care leavers face at a critical time in their lives, and encouraged everyone to consider how services might be tailored towards a care leaver’s unique and personal experience.
Enhanced support needed for independent living, further education and employment, and wellbeing
We were particularly grateful to be joined by three young care leavers who shone a light on the experiences a young person might face when moving out of care and into adulthood. They described what good support looks like and gave invaluable insight into three main areas where enhanced support is often needed, including navigating independent living, getting ready for further education and employment, and taking care of mental and physical wellbeing.
As well as enjoying a valuable opportunity to hear directly from care leavers and care experienced adults, important cross sector connections were made, highlighting the many pathways of support that care leavers may access between the ages of 18 and 25. Professionals working in further education, housing, health and the charity sector, shared experiences and discussed how different sectors can collaborate to improve the impact of support offered to care leavers.
Motiv8 received vital care leaver funding from HIWCF in 2024
We were delighted to be joined by Motiv8, a local charity making big impacts on the care leavers it supports. Motiv8 received care leaver funding from HIWCF in 2024 and brought along three young care leavers who generously shared their experiences. Motiv8 CEO, Kirsty Robertson, said:
“My favourite type of day at Motiv8…..inspiring and rewarding!
“I had the privilege of spending the morning with the amazing members of the Hampshire Care Experienced Council and the Motiv8 team at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) Care Leavers Round Table event.
“It was incredible to work alongside brilliant partners and like minded individuals, listening to the voices of our care experienced young people. Hearing their perspectives will play a vital role in shaping how much needed funding for care leavers is used in the coming years.”
Key takeaways
🔹 The need to listen to the voices of care-experienced individuals, ensuring their lived experiences guide the support offered.
🔹 The importance of early interventions to build confidence and skills in readiness for leaving care at age 18.
🔹 Recognising that success looks different for everyone.
Understanding care leaver support that makes a difference
It is thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended the Round Table that we were able to deepen our collective understanding of care leaver support that really makes a meaningful impact. These learnings will inform how we shape and deliver our future funding across Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight.
We’d like to say a special thanks to Motiv8 and their Hampshire Care Experienced Council for attending the event. Motiv8 is one of three charities that received care leaver funding in 2024.
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