As the award-winning Bright Light programme came to an end, we celebrated the successes and impact of the programme, which supported young care leavers, aged 16-25, into apprenticeship opportunities. Few projects focus on this difficult point of transition, to offer full wraparound support, stretching across their immediate needs, mental and emotional needs and their route into employment.
Co-delivered by Catch22 and The Children’s Society and funded by The Clothworkers’ Foundation, the pilot was developed to better understand barriers associated with this period, so we could develop solutions, share learnings and influence national policy.
Through building a strong and trusted relationship with each care leaver, Bright Light helps them with stabilising their personal circumstances, building their confidence and skills, and then supporting them for up to 18 months during their apprenticeship.
Our panellists included:
- Catch22 former Assistant Director for Employability, Emma Allix,
- The Children’s Society Partnership Development Manager, Allison Hughes,
- Arcus FM Lisa Jardim,
- Aspiring for Children Co-Founder, Marietta Harrow, and
- a young person who participated in the Bright Light programme.