Together for Children (TfC) is proud to announce its participation in the first National Care Leavers Month (NCLM), taking place throughout November 2025.
Building on more than 15 years of National Care Leavers Week, this new UK-wide initiative extends the celebration across the entire month, offering more opportunities to recognise care-experienced individuals, celebrate their achievements, and champion positive change.
The theme for this year’s NCLM is ‘Rising as Me: Overcoming Challenges, Transforming, and Finding Your Identity’ and was chosen by care-experienced young people themselves. It reflects the resilience, personal growth, and journey to self-identity that many care leavers navigate.
Throughout November, TfC is hosting a series of events and activities designed to amplify the voices of care-experienced young people in Sunderland. As well as raise awareness of the challenges they face and promote improvements in policy and practice.
On Wednesday 12 November, care leavers were invited to the Community Garden at Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens to install a plaque for the Positivitree as a lasting symbol of growth, hope, and community. This tree was planted in 2024 to mark Sunderland City Councils commitment to continue to grow our local offer for care experienced young people. Positivitrees have been planted across the country, marking the 20th birthday of the National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum.
Other activities included a Power Breakfast which gave care leavers the chance to have a chat with some of the key decision makers and raise any issues they had. Representatives from Gentoo, The Job Centre, Supported Lodgings, Northumbria Police and Together for Children were available for care leavers to raise concerns and voice opinions. And later in the month, care leavers are being invited to the launch of the new Clothes Bank at Next Steps and then to mark the end of care leavers month, TfC is holding its first ever Care Leavers Games where support staff will join together with care leavers to compete for the Care Leavers Games 2025 Trophy.
Sunderland landmarks will also be illuminated on Friday 14 to Sunday 16 and Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November in honour of NCLM, helping to raise visibility and spark conversations across the city.
“National Care Leavers Month is a powerful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of care-experienced young people and to listen to their voices. We are proud to stand alongside them, not only in recognition but in our commitment to improving outcomes and opportunities.”
Helen Monks, Director of Children’s Social Care at Together for Children
“Care leavers in Sunderland continue to inspire us with their strength, ambition, and determination. This month is about shining a light on their stories and ensuring they are supported to thrive. We’re delighted to support Together for Children in marking this important milestone.”
Councillor Michael Butler, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services at Sunderland City Council
National Care Leavers Month aims to bring together care-experienced young people, professionals, carers, and the wider public to share stories of resilience and transformation, and to encourage lasting change in how care leavers are supported.
For more information about events and how to get involved, contact the Next Steps team at Together for Children on 0191 561 7109.
