We work with many care-experienced young people, including many who we care for in our family style homes. Even with professional support, we see firsthand how tough it can be for them to access work. Research backs this up. A 2023 study found that 21-year-olds with care experience were ten times more likely to be out of work or education than their peers.
In response, we’ve partnered with care leavers, social care teams and Shaw Trust youth employment specialists to design a programme to help overcome these barriers for young people in Harrow and Ealing.
Our trial
This trial is a collaborative and innovative approach to helping care-experienced young people find their next step in life. We are designing a tailored service that builds confidence and skills, helping them find meaningful work and accredited education. The programme will also link with local charities to offer wider support, from housing and benefits advice to mental health support and relationship guidance.
The trial launches in September 2025 and will support 70 young people over 18 months.
The trial will:
- Provide personalised support that helps young people explore their interests and aspirations while offering personalised resilience coaching to help them navigate challenges.
- Create an integrated system by embedding specialist coaches directly within leaving care teams to provide seamless and consistent guidance.
- Offer long-term support including continued support while young people are in education or work.
Aims and impact
We’re testing if a combination of resilience coaching and employment support, delivered in a joined-up way with social care teams and local employers, can have a greater impact. With the backing of the London Improvement and Innovation Alliance, and our partners in Ealing and Harrow, we will share learning widely to drive lasting improvements in how services are designed and delivered for and with care-experienced young people.
