Bury Council marks National Care Leavers Month with packed programme of activities

This November marks the first-ever National Care Leavers Month (NCLM), an extended celebration dedicated to recognising care-experienced young people and their achievements, and raising awareness of the challenges they face.

Fifteen years after the first National Care Leavers Week in the UK, the event will now run throughout the entire month, and Bury Council is planning a full programme of events in and around the Bury Care Leavers Hub.

There will be drop-in sessions for Bury Care Leavers throughout November with breakfasts, lunches, cake decorating, a movie night, a country walk with hot chocolate, and winter wreath-making.

There will also be workshops and practical sessions focusing on careers, education and raising awareness of the services that Bury’s Next Chapter team has to offer.

Another highlight of the month will be the inspiring ‘Believe and Achieve Awards’ on 20 November, recognising the outstanding achievements of Bury’s care-experienced young people across education, training, community contribution, and personal development.

The 2025 theme of National Care Leavers Month, ‘Rising as Me: Overcoming Challenges, Transforming, and Finding Your Identity’, honours the resilience and personal growth shown by care-experienced young people.

There are currently more than 80,000 children in care across England, and nearly 34,000 young people left care last year, many at just 18 years old. Many face challenges related to housing instability, mental health, and accessing opportunities for further learning or employment.

Despite these challenges, care-experienced young people demonstrate enormous determination and potential. This year’s theme underscores how they overcome barriers, build new identities, and inspire positive change.

Bury Council’s Next Chapter service provides comprehensive support for care leavers from age 16 up to 25- ensuring that young adults moving from care into independence are not left without help.

They can assist with providing accommodation, help with education, employment and training opportunities, access to health services, financial support and money management and developing independent living skills – as well as regular social and community activities throughout the year. Each young person also has access to a Personal Adviser who can offer advice and support after they leave care.

Councillor Lucy Smith, cabinet member for children and young people said: “Moving into adulthood is challenging for any young person, but those who have lived in care often encounter even greater hurdles. Young people with care experience often face additional barriers and uncertainties as they take the first steps towards independence, and Bury Council is committed to providing support along the journey.

“Listening to our young care leavers and making sure their voices are heard and acted upon is essential. National Care Leavers Month gives us a unique opportunity to showcase the determination, resilience, and optimism of care leavers in Bury, as well as renew our commitment to helping them build a positive future. We invite everyone to join us throughout November to celebrate and champion the journeys of these remarkable young people.”

Everyone has a role in creating a more supportive, understanding community for those who have experienced care. People in Bury can also support their journey by becoming mentors, offering work experience, volunteering at local events, or simply helping to amplify the stories and voices of care leavers this November. Please contact the Next Steps team if you are interested in helping: email NextChapterDuty@bury.gov.uk

For more information about our services for Care Leavers please visit Care Leavers Offer in Bury - Bury Council

ENDS

Press release issued: 4 November 2025.