By KLTV Newsdesk –

Kirklees Council has been supporting and celebrating local care leavers through a series of special events aimed at aiding their transition to independent living.

Care leavers, young people moving out of the care system, often face more barriers than their peers.

The Council, alongside partner organisations, works tirelessly to help these individuals achieve the best possible outcomes.

Extensive Support and Activities

There are approximately 420 care leavers in the district, many of whom participated in various activities organised by the Council.

Regular support includes emotional well-being drop-ins and football sessions.

Additionally, partner organisations such as Huddersfield Town Foundation, Meltham Quilters, and Asda helped organise events including cookery classes, sports, roller skating, a movie evening, and a trip to Flamingo Land.

Collaborative Efforts with Emergency Services

One notable event was a half-day session with West Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Fire Service, where care leavers engaged in activities and received information about careers and community safety.

Celebrating Success at the Achieve Awards

The highlight of the celebrations was the Achieve Awards ceremony held at Huddersfield Town Hall, which was illuminated in blue for Care Leavers Week.

The ceremony featured performances by young people, magic from Luke Lenihan, inspirational speeches by care leavers, and a keynote address by Matt from Loud Speaker, an organisation that helps young people gain confidence and professional speaking skills.

The event was attended by Cllr Nosheen Dad, Mayor of Kirklees, and Cllr Viv Kendrick, Cabinet member for Children’s Services.

‘Thrive and Succeed’

Cllr Kendrick remarked: “Looking after our care leavers is not just a responsibility, it’s a privilege. These young people deserve every opportunity to thrive and succeed, and we are committed to supporting them every step of the way.

“This is a key priority for all of us in Kirklees. Working in partnership with fantastic local organisations, we offer a well-rounded support service that enriches the lives of everyone in our care. We want all of them to become independent, and successful and to fulfil their potential as they transition into adulthood.”

Fundraising and Further Engagement

Council staff have also participated in recent Park Runs to raise funds for the Huddersfield Town Foundation charity, which supports activities for care-experienced young people.

Empowering Young Voices

In a landmark event, the Kirklees Parenting Board, which oversees services and support for those in care, invited young people to ‘take over’ their latest meeting.

This initiative ensured that first-hand accounts of being in care were heard, enabling the provision of even better support in the future.

Cllr Kendrick, who chairs the meeting, added: “It’s vital that we hear the voices of young people and make sure their views help to shape our services.

“They did a fantastic job of sharing experiences and giving a deeper understanding of how other people’s decisions impact on their lives.

“We were moved by their contribution and very proud of them all.”