Over 150 care leavers across the West of England are gaining new skills to help them secure good jobs thanks to a £720,000 cash injection from the West of England Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris.

The 'Jobs First' Mayor will visit the scheme as part of National Care Leavers Week, as he meets some of the 16-25-year-olds taking part in the scheme this coming Wednesday.

Sadly, many care leavers do not achieve the same outcomes as their peers. 41% of care leavers aged 19 to 21 do not have a job, and are not in education or training, compared to just 9% for this age group overall.

The three-year West of England-funded programme will support youngsters through coaching and work placements.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: "I started my career as a child protection social worker, I've worked in residential children's homes and with children in foster care so I know life as a care leaver can be tough. I am determined that we do better for our care levers as they develop into independent young adults. These young people need and deserve extra support whether it's introductions to employers or paid work placements. With this bumper £720,000 cash injection, the West of England is ensuring more people in our region are given the opportunities and support they need to get a good job and thrive".

The Care Leavers Association campaigns for greater recognition of the challenges facing those who have been in care. You can find out more about their work and some famous people who came from this background, HERE