Care leavers in Ealing and Harrow have joined forces with Shaw Trust Foundation, the West London Alliance, and Ealing and Harrow councils, to co-design a new programme of support for young people in care.
The programme – My Future Journey – launches today, and will support care leavers to build confidence, engage with the local community, and move into education, employment, or follow on programmes, such as the government’s latest employment programme, Connect to Work.
Up to 70 young local people who are at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) will be supported over a twelve month period to help them get work ready.
A 2023 study showed that 21-year-old care leavers were ten times more likely to be out of work or education than their peers. A report this year found that care-experienced young people may have to reduce the time spent in education so they can help support themselves after turning 18.
Matilda Newman-Smart, Service Manager at Shaw Trust said: “I’m so excited about the launch of this new pilot project. As a young person who grew up in care, I used to wonder how I could help change the system and make a difference through my lived experience.”
Ealing Councillor Josh Blacker said: “This is such an exciting and important step forward for our care-leavers. By teaming up with the Shaw Trust and our partners in Harrow, we’re not just opening doors — we’re helping young people walk through them with confidence, ambition, and the support they deserve. Their voices are shaping this programme, and that’s exactly how it should be. I can’t wait to see the incredible things they’ll achieve.”
Robert South, Strategic Director Children’s Services, London Borough of Ealing, said: “I am incredibly excited that Ealing and Harrow Children’s Services are working in concert with the Shaw Trust to expand meaningful opportunities for young people to realise their full potential. It is especially inspiring to see young people being at the heart of influencing how they access their future education, employment, and training opportunities – placing their voices at the centre of the journey.”
Councillor Hitesh Karia, Children’s Portfolio Holder for Harrow Council, said: “I’m passionate about giving young people the best opportunities to help their futures – and that includes our care leavers. My Future Journey is a new programme that will help them with employment. They’ll work with our young people to help build their confidence, make new connections, and create opportunities to prepare them for the world of work. It’s been shaped by young people in care and focused on giving them the tools and support they need to reach their goals and thrive as adults. We’ll always explore new ways to further support our young people and those in our care.”
At a recent focus group session, young care leavers were consulted about what they wanted to get from the project. Three care leavers, Nicole, Marcus and Kenza shared their thoughts.
Nicole said: “It’s important to have new avenues and options for care leavers.
Marcus agreed: “I didn’t get the opportunity to do the things I wanted to do when I was younger.
“What I hope to get out of this project is to be able to explore my options a lot better.
Kenza said: “I think part of the new project should involve tailored experiences for each individual who joins, making sure everything shared is noted and actually taken into account.”
