Care-experienced young people to receive extra support this Christmas

Care-experienced young people across Stoke-on-Trent will receive extra support over the Christmas holidays.

Vouchers have been issued to care leavers for the purchase of Christmas food and additional utility costs over the festive period, with each care leaver receiving a £45 voucher.

This comes as city council has set aside £20,000 to support care leavers, with £14,000 already used for Christmas. The remaining with be distributed over the Easter holidays.

Councillor Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “Supporting vulnerable children and young people is our number one priority, and this particularly includes our role at the city council as corporate parents. We know the festive period can often bring even more pressure for the most vulnerable across the city, so we want to make sure our care-experienced young people are supported.

Councillor Dave Evans, cabinet member for children and young people said: “These young people often don’t have the support networks around them that many other young people take for granted, Christmas is such a special time for so many but equally can feel very isolating for others.”

Nearly £100,000 has been awarded by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to help those most in need over Christmas in the city, including the Holiday, Food and Activities (HAF) fund initiative.

To find out more about how you can access support, go to www.stoke.gov.uk.