Care Leavers' Voices Drive Change

A record number of care experienced young people completed a recent survey which has given Dorset Council and its partners an important insight into how their quality of life and well-being could be further improved.

The results were presented at an event which included representatives from Dorset Council, young people and key partners in statutory, voluntary and community services. 

The ‘Bright Spots’ survey, which was commissioned by Dorset Council, was carried out by Coram Voice and asked the views of young people between the ages of 16 and 25 about being care experienced. 

It was completed by 79% of care leavers and included their views on their relationships, their accommodation and how they are coping financially.

Riley is a care experienced young person who presented some of the findings to a group of practitioners from Dorset Council and their partners. He said: “Surveys like this are important because the results come directly from us and we can say ‘this is what's actually going on, this is what care leavers actually feel’ because sometimes people might not always be happy to say things but where the survey is anonymised it's a lot more open to say what you want.

“I want Dorset Council to look at what is working and keep that consistent but if something isn't working take a look at what they can do to change it.

“For example, happiness and confidence scored quite low in the survey and I think everybody could help by not judging someone based on who they are or their background and by helping us to keep important contacts with friends and family if we get moved away.”

The survey found that there were some bright spots of practice where Dorset’s care leavers were doing significantly better than care leavers in other local authorities. 

42% of care leavers from Dorset had a pet, which, although many people take this for granted, is 1.5 times the care leaver average of 28%. One young person said: “I live with 4 housemates. I work with 2 of them. We are allowed pets here, so I have 2 cats which has been amazing! Hoping to stay here as I’m allowed pet”.

And 91% of care leavers felt involved in planning for their future compared to 87% of care leavers nationally. 

The survey identified some areas for improvement which will be picked up as actions over the coming year, for example 14% said they did not have a good friend. Whilst this is an improvement on the 2022 survey where 18% said they did not have a good friend; it is still an area that could be improved.

At the event, partners each committed to at least one action to achieve change and improve outcomes. These included exploring ways we can help our young people to feel safe in their homes and communities, to support with increasing apprenticeship and work experience opportunities and developing housing to meet the wide range of needs for our young people. 

Councillor Clare Sutton, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: “The Bright Spots survey gets its name from the fact that it illustrates the bright areas that our children and young people tell us about. This survey is important because it asks the young people themselves for their views.

“I am really pleased that almost 80 per cent of our care leavers completed the survey which will give us some very reliable information to see where we need to make changes to improve lives for children.”
 

Could you help a young person leaving care and open your home? 

If you have a spare room and want to make a real difference to a young person leaving care, then Supported Lodgings is a great option. Many of Dorset’s care experienced young people, aged between 16-25, are ready to take the next steps towards independence but are not quite ready to live alone and need the safety net of a room to go back to and someone to offer advice.  

Dorset Council welcomes applications from people from all backgrounds and walks of life and will support you every step of the way. 

As a supported lodgings provider, you will receive: 
•    a weekly payment ranging from £130 per week 
•    rent and contribution towards utilities from the young person 
•    training and extensive support 
•    an allocated support worker 

If you would like to know more, please contact fostering enquiries on 01305 221482 or visit the Dorset Council website.