Ambassador Alysha speaks up for care leavers

As part of the celebrations for Care Leavers Month this November, Shropshire Council’s Alysha Ridley and Steve Ladd spoke to BBC Radio Shropshire about their passion for the work they do.

Care leavers ambassador Alysha

Alysha and Steve are part of Shropshire Council’s Leaving Care Team which supports young adults as they prepare to leave care and become independent.

You can listen to the interview here.

November is Care Leavers Month, a national initiative dedicated to celebrating the achievements of care-experienced young people, amplifying their voices, and strengthening community support.

To celebrate some of those achievements in Shropshire, care leavers ambassador Alysha and service manager Steve from the Leaving Care Team told the BBC’s Johnty O’Donnell about their work.

Throughout November, Shropshire Council is hosting a series of events and campaigns designed to raise awareness, foster connection, and inspire lasting change.

Highlights from the month can be found on the Shropshire Care Leavers Team Facebook page.

Councillor Ruth Houghton, portfolio holder for social care, said:

I am very proud of all of our Care Leavers and their achievements. 

Our care experienced individuals have told us that a single week is simply not enough to celebrate their remarkable achievements or to address the important issues that matter most.

Expanding Care Leavers Month throughout November gives us the vital opportunity to shine a brighter light on their experiences, their successes, and the ongoing needs of our care leaver community. I encourage everyone to join us for a month of celebration dedicated to our incredible young people.