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Liverpool’s Cabinet is set to review a proposal aimed at establishing the city’s first permanent Care Leavers Hub. Currently, around 800 young people with care experience, up to the age of 25, receive support from the council. However, there is no dedicated full-time facility for these services at present. The existing setup operates out of temporary space at the Merseyside Play Action Council, but only one day a week, which has been acknowledged as less than ideal for care leavers.
The recent Ofsted inspection underscored the importance of having a more suitable environment, even as Children’s Services were rated ‘Good’ in three of four assessed areas. The envisioned hub would offer young people a welcoming place to drop in, socialize, meet their Personal Advisor, eat, do laundry, and access a broad array of advice and support within a safe and supportive setting. Despite a thorough review of council accommodation, no appropriate space had been found within city-owned properties.
The council is now considering a report recommending an investment of £458,000 to transform a city centre property into this essential resource. The location chosen is accessible and centrally situated, and the council plans to secure a 10-year lease for the premises. The site will have facilities to accommodate up to 20 staff members and support both drop-in visitors and scheduled appointments. Anticipations are that the hub will be ready to open by next summer.
Councillor Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, emphasized the partnership with young people in care, stating, “We know that our young people in care are rightly passionate about the need for a dedicated facility which is better suited to their needs.” She added that ongoing conversations with care leavers are shaping the services to include private appointment rooms, communal areas, laundry facilities, and digital access. Jenny Glennard, Corporate Director for Children and Young People Services, highlighted the council’s commitment to high-quality support, saying, “Our care experienced young people deserve the very best support and having a dedicated venue will enable us to provide it.” She further noted the council’s alignment with UNICEF Child Friendly City principles by ensuring that young people’s voices remain central to service development
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