Improving Prospects for Care Leavers

A young woman has landed her dream job following moves to help care leavers in South Tyneside secure employment.

Nicole Butler, 26, who grew up in South Tyneside but now lives in Sunderland, will take up her new role as a Personal Adviser next month working in the Children's Services department at South Tyneside Council.

In her new role she will be working with young people leaving care to help them become independent.

Mam-of-one Nicole, who grew up in care, moves onto the new job from her previous role as Care Leavers' Ambassador. In that role she worked with young care experienced people to make sure the voices of those leaving care were heard and to see how services could be improved for them.

She said: "That job gave me so much confidence and made me feel so proud. I already know some of the 16-year-olds I'll be working with. It will be lovely to start the journey together as they move towards independence and I start my new role."

One of the Council's ambitions is to connect people to jobs, skills and training. Helping young people in care move into employment or training has been a particular focus. Nicole first joined the Council as a sessional worker as part of a scheme aimed at improving the life chances of young people leaving care by providing the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in paid roles.

Nicole said: "The support I received from my personal advisor and council to pursue my dreams has been amazing. Since working at the Council, I've heard a lot said about being good 'corporate parents' to our young people, and the Council being like a 'family business', so I'm thrilled to have this new job and be able to give something back.

"It would be great if I could be some sort of role model for other young people."

Earlier this year Ofsted inspectors praised South Tyneside's Children's Services for the support they give to young people leaving care.

Councillor Adam Ellison said: "We want all our young people to feel confident and ambitious and have the right skills and training to help them achieve their goals. Nicole is a shining example of how we are succeeding to achieve this. I wish her well in her new role and would like to place on record my thanks for her excellent work as Care Leavers' Ambassador."