Care Leavers’ Week 2024: All of Us, We are One
National Care Leavers’ Week 2024 runs from Monday 28 October – Sunday 3 November 2024 and almost 200 care-experienced people voted for the theme for 2024, which is ‘All of Us, We are One’.
Each year, we acknowledge that Care Leavers Week can give us mixed feelings. Some say it’s a great time to celebrate those who have care experience, and others feel it’s more of a systems-made celebration.
We love this year’s theme as it highlights the value of creating connections and celebrating the strength of community, something we’re all passionate about, especially in Connect!
And, with Connect’s recent award nominations, the Berwick Literary Festival that members are getting involved with, and the amazing fundraising that our colleagues are supporting, it feels like we have LOTS to celebrate!
What does community mean to our Connect members?
To help kick off our celebrations, we asked our Connect members to share what community means to them and we had a great response. Here’s what some of our members told us:
“Connect brings a sense of community that many individuals feel they’re missing, which can be expected, given individuals’ circumstances. At times, realising your own experiences can be overwhelming and have you questioning your self-identity, your story, and your future. Connect is that extra pillar of support and stability, which is sometimes needed, however bittersweet. With a community so powerful, it’s continuing to grow and provide a safe space for individuals to have their voices heard and listened to every day, particularly on the days when they feel they might not have one.”
Holly, Connect Committee member
“To have a community of like-minded people, friends and professionals who go above and beyond to show each and every one of their members are valued and cared for and empowering them to take part and enjoy each moment. I feel that is the epitome of community.”
Otis, Connect member
“Connect is a lovely place and has amazing opportunities for so many people. It gives you such a brilliant experience in life and you get to have fun whilst doing it.”
Chinelle, Connect member
Find out more about Connect
Connect is a free community exclusively for TACT care-experienced young people and adults that’s tailored to the needs and interests of our members. Our empowering community is co-created by members alongside a friendly team of dedicated staff (many of whom are care experienced) and we offer content and communication in a variety of ways.
All members are warmly welcomed, including those with different experiences of care.
What we offer reflects what our members tell us they want from their membership. We understand a community is a two-way street, so we embrace change, listen to members when co-creating together, and take a person-centred approach.
Our members have the most important voice in Connect and their feedback is central to how we grow and change.
Read more about Connect.
#NCLW 2024