Christmas Wrapping and Donations, Salford Next Step Leaving Care Team

Care leavers are young people aged over 16 leaving local authority care. The Department of Education states there were 48,050 care leavers in England aged 17 to 21 in 2022/23. Unfortunately, care leavers generally experience worse outcomes than their peers across a number of areas, such as mental health, employment and education.

This service based in Salford provides leaving care support and guidance for young people in care from 16 and to care leavers until their 21^st birthday. Their vision is to provide cared for children and care leavers with the support and help they need to reach their potential during childhood and adult life.

Some aspects they can provide support with is securing safe accommodation, finding appropriate education, employment and training opportunities, access to primary health services, and developing other independent living skills and confidence.

Volunteers from Seddon, along with Russell WBHO, Morgan Sindall Construction and Schofield and Sons Ltd assembled to support the Leaving Care Team to wrap a variety of presents to go in festive treat hampers. To get in the festive spirit, volunteers donned Christmas accessories and listened to Christmas songs, helping them wrap a whopping 235 presents along with 100 selection boxes donated by Seddon. These were delivered to some of the most vulnerable young people at Christmas, a time of joy, celebration and giving back.

When Seddon Engineering Services received the request, they seized the opportunity to support Salford’s Next Step Leaving Care Team. They organised a collection of treats to fill festive hampers, which were delivered to care leavers across Salford at Christmas. Thanks to their generous contributions, an impressive total of 37 hampers were assembled for this worthy cause.