Care Leavers Month: Recap
Care Leavers Month 2025: A Month of Connection, Opportunity and Futures
November was a month to remember as YLF proudly launched its Futures Care Leavers Programmes, marking Care Leavers Month 2025 with energy, connection and ambition.
Futures Fest Takes Centre Stage
The highlight of the month was Futures Fest, which transformed the Gallagher Stadium into a vibrant showcase of opportunities for care leavers across Kent and Medway. Delivered in partnership with Stones in the Community, the event brought together young people, mentors, support staff and local organisations, all focused on opening doors and building brighter futures.
The day was packed with activity. Dom Plumb from Fitter, Faster, Stronger led an action-packed martial arts session, giving care leavers the chance to spar, try something new and push themselves. His fast-paced cone game quickly sparked friendly competition and laughter across the room.
Creativity and connection were also front and centre. Care leaver, James, led a Dungeons & Dragons taster session, with plans already underway to turn it into a regular group. Meanwhile, care leavers, mentors and support staff enjoyed getting creative together through crafts and conversation.
We were delighted to welcome Cleaning with Meaning, who shared employment opportunities, while the Futures Team showcased pathways and support from a range of corporate partners. Care leavers were encouraged to share their interests and requests for work placements and experience, helping shape future opportunities.
The day ended on a high note, with everyone coming together to enjoy pizza kindly donated by Domino’s, DS Group. With such an incredible response, we’re excited to say that Futures Fest will now become an annual event.
Building Connections All Month Long
Throughout November, the Futures Team continued to meet with care leavers across the region. Supper clubs in Medway and Canterbury brought young people together over shared meals, creating safe spaces to connect, talk and build friendships. In Thanet, a new twice-monthly lunch club has been established at the Northdown Road Family Hub, offering regular support and connection.
Ruth and Paige spent time at the Sunrise Foyer, sharing donuts and meaningful conversations with care leavers living there, while a dedicated group for care leavers with young children ran at the Strood Family Hub, ensuring families also felt supported and included.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we move into 2026, the Futures Team are excited to build on the momentum of Care Leavers Month. Plans are underway to establish regular supper clubs, grow a strong network of corporate partners to offer diverse work placements and experience, and continue recruiting care-leaving mentors to support young people on their journey.
Watch this space – the future is just getting started.
