Southwark College joins national campaign to celebrate Care Leavers’ Week

Southwark College (@SouthwarkColl) is proud to join National Care Leavers’ Week, which takes place from 26 October to 1 November to celebrate the successes of care leavers across the UK.

The College supports the campaign’s efforts to help change the narrative of the care system by challenging negative perceptions and helping young people in or leaving care reach their potential and achieve their goals through education.

Commenting on this year’s Care Leavers’ Week, Principal Annette Cast, said:

 “We are proud to be joining celebrations this Care Leavers’ Week. It is an excellent opportunity to help raise awareness of care leavers and to encourage our care experienced students to take full advantage of the support services available to them at Southwark College.

“We are committed to providing an equal, diverse and inclusive environment for our learners and we are working closely with the Care Leaver Covenant to ensure we can continue to fulfil this promise for our students in or leaving care.”

Laura Pearson, Covenant Progression Coordinator at Southwark College, said:

“I am excited to be part of Southwark College’s Student Services team and to collaborate with the Care Leaver Covenant to support young people in or leaving care to make the most of the opportunities and make the transition into work or higher education.”

Being care-experienced herself, Laura has first-hand knowledge of the particular challenges facing care leavers. Her role is vital in supporting care experienced students at the College and involves providing information about the Covenant’s services, signposting individuals to the most relevant support team and helping students with university and work placement interviews.

Southwark College is committed to nurturing and sustaining a positive future for all care experienced students, through an exceptional learning journey. For more information see the Statement of offer to care experienced students.

The College also offers a bursary to young people in or leaving care and has appointed a Covenant Progression Coordinator to support care experienced students.

Students who are care leavers are encouraged to download the Covenant’s Connects app which has the latest information on all the Covenant has to offer as well as exclusive offers provided by organisations, charities and businesses across the UK.