Liverpool Council plans to open a permanent hub for more than 800 care leavers next summer, with cabinet members asked to approve the project next week. The service currently operates from temporary accommodation at Merseyside Play Action Council one day a week, but it is recognised that it does not provide the best environment for care leavers.
Ofsted inspection highlights need
The need for a better facility was highlighted in an Ofsted inspection in May which rated Liverpool Council's children's services as good in three out of four areas. This followed a damning assessment in 2023 when the service was deemed inadequate.
An extensive review of council accommodation has been unable to find somewhere suitable within the local authority estate.
Proposed hub at Williamson Square
A report to Cabinet being considered on Tuesday proposes investing £458,000 to fit out premises in Williamson Square, which is well-located and easily accessible. The council will take on a 10-year lease for the property, which has space for up to 20 staff, and will provide drop-in and appointment services for care leavers.
The hub will be a place where young people can drop in, meet friends, talk to their personal advisor, have something to eat, do their washing, receive a wide range of advice and support and provide a safe space for them. Running costs of around £180,000 a year will be covered by the existing service budgets.
Young people at the heart of decision making
In a bid to reframe the narrative around care leavers, Liverpool Council held a landmark conference at St George's Hall in Autumn 2024 to connect education, business and young people to provide greater opportunities. Former Lord Mayor Cllr Richard Kemp said the conference was an opportunity for the city to "reshape the destiny of our young people" who for too long had been depicted as "problems."
Councillor Liz Parsons, cabinet member for children's services, said: "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.
"We are working really closely with them on the type of services that they would like to see provided, such as drop-in access, private appointment rooms, communal and social spaces, laundry facilities and digital access. This is all part of our continuous improvement journey for children's services to improve outcomes for our young people."
Jenny Glennard, corporate director for children and young people services, said: "Our care experienced young people deserve the very best support and having a dedicated venue will enable us to provide it. As a UNICEF Child Friendly City we are putting young people at the heart of our decision making and their voices are an integral part of developing the services provided in the new hub."
