Young people encourage employers to open doors this Care Leavers' Month

This Care Leavers' Month, Break young people are inviting businesses across Cambridgeshire and Norfolk to help them take their first steps into their careers.

Throughout the month they'll be sharing their experiences and aspirations on our social media channels, with the aim of raising awareness of the barriers they can face when entering employment and how businesses can help support them into work.

Young people who have grown up in care are three times more likely not to be in education, employment or training than others their age, and often don't have the family support that many rely on as they take their first steps into work.

Through our Breaking the Mould programme, we work with employers to create flexible, inclusive opportunities that help young people who have grown up in care build skills and confidence, while helping businesses better understand and support care-experienced young people.

With the programme's support, several Break young people have already gained valuable experience with a variety of organisations, including ZSEA Banham Zoo, Everywhen and Health Transport Group UK. This has so far led to two job offers for young people.

Now, we're encouraging more employers to consider partnering with us to create similar opportunities.

Among those looking for experience is Connor, 23, whose dream is to work with animals after developing a passion for animal welfare while growing up in care:

"When I lived in a children’s home I wasn’t able to have pets, but I loved the staff’s pets that came into the home from time to time. I did some training in animal care at college which I loved, and I’ve also done some volunteering with Doggy Daycare.

"Since then I’ve been looking for more volunteering and jobs in this sector. I’m in my element when working with animals, it makes me feel so happy."

Meanwhile Sav, 19, is keen to do some work experience with the local police:

"I want to be able to help people and be active in the local community. From being in care, I know how important it is to get the right help and support, and for people to get their voices heard."

Louise Gooding, Co-Production and Aspiration Lead at Break, said:

"Young people who have grown up in care have the same talent and potential as anyone else, but they don't always have access to the same opportunities.

"We've seen first-hand just how much can happen when employers are willing to open their doors. The young people we've worked with have gained new skills, grown in confidence and discovered career paths they may never have considered before.

"This campaign is about helping more young people take those first steps. The opportunities local employers can offer really can make a lasting difference."