Sutton Council celebrates National Care Leavers Week 2020

Life is taking a new direction for Charlotte, a former Care Leaver in Sutton as she begins studying for an MSC at Bournemouth University

Sutton Council is marking National Care Leavers’ Week (26 October - 1 November) by sharing the story of care leaver, Charlotte Crane who recently graduated with a first-class degree in Ecology and Wildlife from Bournemouth University and began studying for her MSC this September. 

In Sutton, there are approximately 348 care leavers aged 16 to 25 for whom the Council acts as Corporate Parent. Care leavers face particular challenges as they enter adult life. Each year, National Care Leavers Week is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the successes of care leavers like Charlotte from across the borough and help inspire others to achieve their full potential.

Charlotte explained how she began her University career: “I got kicked out of high school due to attendance issues and ended up in a Pupil Referral Unit and I found that education was a real struggle for me. When I turned 18 I travelled to India, when I returned to the UK I had a great support network around me. I took time to work on my mental health which helped me to refocus on my education and give me purpose and direction.” 

And she wanted to share a message for other young Care Leavers thinking about their next steps: “Say yes to new and cool opportunities! The path that feels the most scary is always the path you learn from the most.”

Councillor Marian James, Chair of the People Committee at Sutton Council, said: “It is important we celebrate National Care Leavers week to acknowledge the success of our children and young people. As a Council and Corporate Parent we are extremely proud of all our young care leavers in higher education and would particularly like to congratulate Charlotte for all her hard work, completing a degree and going on to further study is a huge achievement, particularly during the current circumstances.”

For more information, please visit - www.suttonlocalofferforcareleavers.org.uk