Young care leavers offered support at 'vital' new hub

The launch of the new hub coincides with Care Leavers Week

A "vital" hub has opened in a coastal town for young people leaving the care system.

Sefton Council is offering support to young people at their new Care Experienced Hub in Crosby.

The council said the hub would be a place of fun and would also offer support across all areas including housing, money, mental health and employment.

Councillor Diane Roscoe said they wanted young people to know that their communities believed in them.

“Care-experienced people face increased challenges and even discrimination across education, employment, housing and are more likely to struggle with mental health issues and that’s why this hub is so vital."

Roscoe says it will provide "a range of support, all in one place, tailored to them, in a space they feel comfortable, safe and supported".

A range of social events will also be planned at the hub for young people

“We want children and young people to have high aspirations and know that people believe in them to achieve their dreams," she added.

The hub will offer users a chance to speak to dedicated teams who have in-depth knowledge of care-experienced people and the support they are entitled to, the council says.

Social events and services, including a food pantry and a work space where people can make appointments for support with housing, finances, job coaches and more, will also be available.

The opening of Sefton’s Care Experienced Hub comes after Liverpool Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram announced free travel across Merseyside for care leavers.