Tameside celebrates Care Leavers’ Month 2026

Tameside’s care leavers are coming together to celebrate their strength and resilience for National Care Leavers’ Month.

November marks an opportunity to shine a spotlight on care experienced young people, to amplify their voices, and raise awareness of the challenges they overcome and continue to face. This year’s theme, Leading the Way: From Experience to Empowerment, celebrates care experienced people who use their experiences to shape their own futures and help improve services for others.

Tameside Council supports 406 care leavers, who are people aged 18 to 25 who have been in care.

The council’s Leaving Care, Participation Service and Staying Close teams have created a busy schedule of exciting events and activities for the young people to take part in throughout the month, including a Bonfire Night themed scavenger hunt, escape room, light night trail, bowling, and meal. Regular weekly opportunities for care leavers are also taking place and being highlighted, such as cooking together at Tea Club and evening games of pool.

The month will end with an awards evening, bringing care experienced young people and staff together to celebrate their achievements and shine a light on their remarkable stories in a night of pride and unity.

Ashton Old Library will be illuminated in blue light for the month, along with other buildings across the country such as the London Eye and Blackpool Tower.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, Cllr Teresa Smith said: “Care Leavers’ Month is an important opportunity to ensure our young people are heard and feel seen by the community around them.

“2026 is the second year the nation is championing care leavers for the entire month, rather than a week, and I’m thrilled that we’re able to provide lots of activities and sessions for our young people to have fun and share their thoughts and experiences with others.

“Our care leavers are spectacular and inspiring individuals and it’s crucial we work to help them feel supported and equipped to move into adulthood and reach their full potential.”

For more information about Tameside’s Leaving Care service and the local offer of support, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/Care-Leavers.