Combatting loneliness with a football team for care leavers in East Riding

East Riding set up a five-a-side football team for care leavers.

Why?

The Bright Spots 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?

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

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.

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