The London Borough of Bexley is celebrating National Care Leavers Month (NCLM) this November with a range of activities aimed at supporting care-experienced young people as they transition to adulthood.

NCLM is the evolved version of National Care Leavers Week, now extended to a full month of celebration and advocacy. 

This year's theme, 'Rising as Me: Overcoming challenges, transforming and finding your identity'.

This was chosen by care-experienced individuals to celebrate our Care Leavers and achievements, highlight their experiences, raise awareness surrounding the challenges they face and offer care and support to our young people leaving care.

The month of activities began on Tuesday (4 November) with the Launch morning at Welling Youth Centre.

The event featured inspiring words from our young adults leaving our care, followed by a well-being afternoon hosted by the Leaving Care Service in partnership with numerous local charities from across the borough.

The day provided a platform for our young people and young adults leaving care to share their experiences, connect with their community and access valuable support.  Further events and activities are planned throughout the month.

Cllr Chris Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: 

National Care Leavers Month is an opportunity to celebrate our young people’s resilience and achievements while reaffirming our commitment to supporting them as they enter adulthood.

We are committed to ensuring the young people leaving our care feel included and supported every step of the way."

To learn more about fostering in Bexley, please visit our fostering page.