Care leavers’ prom celebrates young people’s achievements

More than 100 young people from across Staffordshire joined together to celebrate their achievements at the county’s first ever Care Leavers’ Prom.

The event at Stafford Rugby Club on Friday 25 October marked the beginning of celebrations for National Care Leavers’ Week.

Staff from the county council’s children’s services team worked with care leavers to make all the arrangements.

This included setting up a dedicated ‘prom shop’, where young people could choose from dresses, suits, shoes and accessories, all donated by members of the public. Local hair and beauty salons also gave up their time on Friday, free of charge, to help with hair and make-up ahead of the big night.

Care leavers, Ethan aged 20 and Fran aged 19, were among the young people who helped organise the event.

Ethan, who has been in care since he was 12, said: “It was a great event and I’m glad it went so well.  I really enjoyed meeting other people like me and it was a relief to see everything come together on the night.

“Growing up in care can be challenging and you can miss out on a lot of fun things that other young people get to do.  I think it’s really important that care leavers get the chance to take part in events like this; it helps us to feel more normal and gives us a sense of belonging.”

Fran, who entered the care system when she was 16, added: “I was a bit nervous beforehand, hoping that everything would go well.

“We came up with the idea of prom a couple of years ago and with the help of the council and our social workers, we made that idea a reality.

“I’d like to thank everyone who helped to organise it and in particular, I’d like to thank everyone who donated the dresses, suits, shoes and accessories.  Everyone looked great and you helped us to feel really special on the night.

“I’m grateful for the help I’ve been given since I entered the care system.  Without that support, I’m not sure where life would have taken me.”

Mark Sutton, Cabinet Lead for Children and Young People at Staffordshire County Council attended the event.

Mark said: “It’s really important that we celebrate all the achievements of our care leavers, and this was a great event that did just that.

“Care leavers do face many more challenges than other young people growing up, so it’s important that they get the support they need.  Some can feel isolated and alone, but events like this can really help bring them together, show them that they are valued and give them a sense of belonging.

“I’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone who helped organise such a wonderful evening – the young people, including Ethan and Fran, the teams who support these young people as they become independent, Stafford Rugby Club who hosted the event, and all the people and businesses who donated items or services.  You should all be very proud of yourselves."

Pictured: Councillor Mark Sutton with care leavers Fran and Ethan