UK care leavers are among society’s most vulnerable groups and were badly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the crisis on thier daily functioning, relationships and mental health. The primary focus was the coproduction of key messages from care leavers: to services, to facilitate the provision of relevant, accessible post-lockdown support and to their peers, to encourage positive post-lockdown readjustment.
A total of 134 UK care leavers, aged 18–25, responded to an online survey, then 14 care leavers, recruited via local authorities in the South of England, participated in online care leaver expert working groups (CLEWGs) to build on survey findings, draft messages and outputs and disseminate findings at local and national events. The care-experienced Young Person’s Advisory Group of a UK national charity for care leavers (Become) was involved throughout.
Survey results and CLEWG discussions showed major impacts on care leavers’ well-being, daily lives and connectedness. Mental health was identified as the primary post-lockdown support need. CLEWGs recommended peer support to help rebuild confidence and encourage help-seeking post-lockdown. Participants called for social care professionals, especially personal advisors, to be proactive and to offer personalised, flexible, genuine support. The primary message to peers was to “ask for help if you need it”, but several barriers were identified.
The messages to services and care leavers come directly from care leavers, based on personal experience, and should provide valuable building blocks for the development of relevant and accessible post-pandemic support.
