National Care Leavers’ Month 2025

November is National Care Leavers’ Month - a campaign close to our hearts here at Olive Branch Fostering. Read on to find out more about what National Care Leavers’ Month is, and how you can get involved.

What Is National Care Leavers’ Month?

National Care Leavers’ Month (NCLM) is both an awareness campaign for, and a celebration of, care experienced young people.

NCLM is organised by the Alliance For Children in Care and Care Leavers and spearheaded by care leavers’ charity Become. Previously National Care Leavers’ Week, the event has been extended to the full month of November in 2025.

Why Do We Need National Care Leavers’ Month?

In March 2024, there were 83,630 looked after children in England alone. Every day, a percentage of those children turn 16 and leave local authority care, becoming care leavers. Statistics from the Department for Education (DfE) estimated that in 2023/24, there were 50,670 care leavers between the ages of 17 and 21 in England.

The ‘Keep on Caring’ policy paper from the DFE showed that statistically, care leavers experience poorer life outcomes than their non-care-experienced peers across a number of areas, including education, employment and mental health.

National Care Leavers’ Month is a way to honour and celebrate the milestones and achievements of young people who have been in care, and to draw attention to the specific issues that affect them.

By amplifying the voices of care leavers and campaigning on their behalf, the organisations involved with NCLM seek to narrow the gap between young people leaving care and their peers, and to lessen the impact that going into care can have on an individual’s life.

Rising as Me - The Theme For National Care Leavers’ Month 2025

The theme for NCLM 2025 is ‘Rising as Me - Overcoming challenges, transforming, and finding your identity.’

The focus for this year is on finding a path forward despite the obstacles, and making the most of opportunities in order to thrive and achieve your full potential.

How to Get Involved in NCLM

Whether you’re a foster carer or a care leaver, there are loads of ways for you to get involved in National Care Leavers’ Month this November.

There’s a program of free online events for care leavers this month, with topics ranging from support at university to understanding your rights, to how to break into TV and film! Plus there are in-person meet-ups happening all across the country, whether you just want a cuppa and a catch-up, or fancy taking part in a football match! Check out this NCLW programme of events put together by Become for more information.

There’s also training and events for those working with care leavers, and lots of opportunities to get involved, whether it’s hosting a coffee morning, fundraising or using your platform to amplify the voices of care leavers online.

Use the hashtag #NCLW when posting on social media, and share your story of leaving care, or a piece of advice that has helped you on your own personal journey.

Olive Branch Fostering - Supporting Care Leavers in the North West

At Olive Branch Fostering, our care doesn’t stop at 16. In fact, we support our young people for as long as they need us, even if they turn 18 or leave care. Our Guide For Independence helps our care leavers to make steps towards independence, and to reach their potential, and we’re with them for every step.

As a fostering agency, we love championing our young people and celebrating their achievements as they move on from care and into their adult lives.

We know that the time leading up to a young person leaving care can be a challenge for foster carers too, who may be wondering how best they can support their young person, and how their role will evolve when a foster child reaches 18. That’s why we’re on hand 24/7, 365 days a year for advice, training and support when it’s needed.

To find out more about Olive Branch, or to enquire about fostering with us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch or give us a call on 01706 558910 and speak to one of our friendly fostering advisors today.