Why?

The care leavers survey has shown that loneliness contributes to low well-being. Encouraging young people to join in group activities can combat loneliness and help them to feel part of the community

What?

The LA got together a group of care leavers to discuss the survey findings. Young people wanted more activities where they could get together in a group. The football team was set up as a response.

Some of the staff have started on a voluntary basis a five-a-side football team that meets once a week. Kids have to get there themselves but we’ve funded it…the idea would be for that football group to carry on, on it’s own without the staff there, that would be the ultimate aim. We haven’t achieved it yet.

Pathway Team Leader
Impact

The local authority has shown that it has listened to what young people are
saying and has taken action as a result.

Whilst the group is not yet able to meet without staff, it is building a sense of community between young people and allowing them to have fun.

What’s next?

At present the team is run by the staff on a voluntary basis. The aim is for the group to get to a stage where it can continue without the staff there.

How are we going to help this young person to …
develop their own social network or community
network?

Pathway Team Leader