Date published: 2026-11-03 | Category: Children's Services, Focusing on prevention
The achievements and resilience of care experienced young people in Bath and North East Somerset are being championed in National Care Leavers’ Month 2026.
Bath & North East Somerset Council has created achievement walls at Bath Central Library and Keynsham Library showcasing positive stories, milestones and thoughts shared by care experienced young people and the people who support them.
This year’s national theme for the month-long celebration in November is ‘Leading the Way: From Experience to Empowerment’, celebrating how care experienced people become leaders in their own lives.
There will also be a programme of activities for the young people to come together and enjoy, organised by the council and Off the Record B&NES.
The celebrations are part of the council’s wider commitment as a corporate parent to supporting care experienced young people as they move into adulthood.
The council supports 254 young people, which includes them having access to a dedicated Personal Advisor to provide 1-1 support until the age of 25.
Eight of the young people are currently part of a joint pilot with Off the Record which will see them receive 20 counselling sessions over the next year, offering therapeutic support at the right time.
The council’s Affordable & Specialist Housing Programme has recently supported three more care experienced young people into their first flats. This is part of an ongoing commitment to provide a proportion of all B&NES Homes developments to care experienced people, giving them the best possible start to independent living.
Councillor Paul May, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “Care Leavers’ Month is an important opportunity to celebrate care experienced young people and your ambitions. It’s wonderful to see the achievement walls in our libraries giving everyone the chance to share and recognise your accomplishments. As corporate parents, we are here to support you as you take your next steps, helping you build the future you want with confidence.”
Charlotte and Jack in the Participation Team at Off The Record B&NES said:We're really excited to be joining the celebration of Care Leavers’ Month. The Care Experienced Council members have put in a lot of time and dedication this year to helping their peers have their voices heard and enacting change for looked after and care experienced young people. Thank you for all the amazing work you do.”
The council is signed up to the Care Leaver Covenant, including a commitment to being a Care Leaver Friendly Employer which provides guaranteed interviews to eligible care experienced applicants who meet the essential criteria.
Its Education, Employment and Training pathway also sets out support for young people from their teenage years through to age 25, including help with further and higher education, apprenticeships, work experience and employment.
Find out more about support for young people leaving care in B&NES and watch the council’s videos about the pledge to children in care and care experienced young people
ENDS