Macclesfield MP David Rutley is giving his full support to the New Belongings scheme, which helps support young people as they leave care, and is also backed by Cheshire East Council and the Department for Education.
David was present at the Make it Macclesfield Breakfast where attendees were informed about how they might support care leavers in their transition into adulthood and employment. The ‘New Belongings’ project aims to create the gold standard in supporting care leavers.
Many care leavers are at risk of unemployment, poverty, homelessness, mental health issues and drug and alcohol misuse. Improving how local authorities support them is key to improving the lives of this vulnerable group of individuals. They need services which are integrated, easy to access, embedded within local communities, and which treat them with respect.
Julie Lewis, Principal Manager Cared for Children and Care Leavers in Cheshire East, said after the Breakfast meeting, “Care leavers have already had a difficult start in life, and independence at an early age can be incredibly difficult. If we are serious about these vulnerable individuals getting the start in life they deserve, we need to see a real shift in terms of support. This New Belongings Pilot works intensively with a small number of local authorities, to set the bar high on how we help care leavers become independent, successful adults.”
David Rutley MP said, “The New Belongings scheme is a great initiative and will help young care leavers move forward with their lives. The Make it Macclesfield Breakfast was a good place to bring the scheme to the attention of local business people. A couple of businesses have already expressed interest and I hope many more will also lend their support to this important project.”
If you are an organisation with a social conscience, and want to make a difference to the life of a vulnerable young person, please contact in the first instance apprenticeships@cheshireeast.gov.uk