A celebration event was held at the weekend to recognise the work of Lifelong Links.
Lifelong Links is an innovative approach for children and young people in care or who are care experienced, up to the age of 25.
The transition to adulthood, is recognised as a time of vulnerability for young people, who have been in care. Young people will often lose key relationships, their home and significant levels of both practical and financial support.
The risks of young people developing feelings of being adrift and lonely are high and can have a significant impact on their lives.
Lifelong Links helps to establish strong and long-lasting relationships between the young people and those who matter most to them.
The celebration event was held on Saturday at the Centre AT7 on Bell Green Road. It was an afternoon filled with fun, games, craft, food, reflection, and connection, and a chance for young people and someone they had reconnected with to meet others, build friendships, and celebrate the impact the programme has had.
Cllr Patricia Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Lifelong Links is an incredible project that helps young people not just as they are leaving care, but in their ongoing lives as adults.
“It gives them someone who can help and support them with the everyday practical things such as moving home and budgeting. It helps them understand more about their history and identity and have a sense of belonging and connection to people who love and care for them, which is so essential for all of us.
“Everyone had a great time on Saturday, and it was heartwarming to hear the stories of the young people and the adults on what Lifelong Links has given them and the positive impact it has had on their lives.”
The project started in Coventry in 2017 when the city was a trial site for the programme in the UK. It is now a vital part of the work to protect and support young people in care.
In the scheme, an independent Lifelong Links coordinator works with a child in care to find out who is important to them, who they would like to be back in touch with.
Young people have been reconnected with family members they have lost contact with, and other people who have been significant in their lives, such as former teachers, foster carers and social workers.
The coordinator searches for these people, using a variety of tools and techniques and then makes a plan with the young person to ensure these relationships continue to grow.
Many young people have been helped to rebuild and repair relationships, and that contact can help as they take the step from being in care to the next stage of their lives.
One young person on the scheme said simply: “There should be more services like this. Lifelong Links is brilliant!”
The project was highlighted in the hit Channel 4 show ‘Kids’ that took a close-up look at teenagers and their families in the care system in Coventry – and those working to help and support them.
You can see more about Lifelong Links at www.coventry.gov.uk/lifelong-links
A video highlighting the event can be seen on our YouTube channel.