Cared-for young people and care leavers

Growing up with experience of the care system can be a challenge. We believe all young people with care experience should be valued. 

Cared-for or ‘looked-after’ young people and care leavers can face multiple challenges due to early adverse experiences, meaning they struggle compared to their peers.

GMYN has been helping young people aged 10-25 since 2012 through programmes to build social skills, encourage positive wellbeing, develop self-esteem and provide skills for the future.

Our programmes help young people learn vital life skills, improve their mental health and well-being, and build a support network outside our provision. Support is bespoke and flexible to meet the needs of young people, whether through regular 1:1 meetings to support entering employment, engaging in weekly life skills workshops or being that person at the end of the phone when needed.

“GMYN was there when I needed them most, I asked for help and that’s what I got and more! GMYN are part of my family now.”

Anthony – Enjoying being part of our Oldham cared-for programme

Our staff take time to build positive relationships and help young people develop the confidence and skills needed to look after themselves and improve their wellbeing.

Our programme for young people with experience of care includes the following: 

  • Life skills workshops (cooking, budgeting, team building)
  • Wellbeing and mental health focussed activities (sport, walking, music, volunteering, arts and crafts and much more)
  • Employability sessions (CV writing, interviewing, work experience) 
  • Youth Voice activities (consultations and planning activities)

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Stay up to date

Introducing The Snakes and Ladders Project: A New Youth-Led Graphic Zine

At Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN), we believe that young people’s experiences should shape the services designed to support them. That’s why we’re proud to launch The Snakes and Ladders Project, a new graphic zine created in partnership with Cottongrass Homes. This unique publication brings together the voices, experiences, and reflections of young people living […]

Farewell and Thank you to our Lived Experience Facilitator

Last September, GMYN welcomed a Lived Experience Facilitator to help shape and deliver our training for Greater Manchester Housing Providers, supporting professionals to better understand and respond to the needs of care-experienced young people moving into independent living. Developed alongside care-experienced young people, the training was designed to ensure that lived experience remained at the […]

Launching our Listen Better Mapping Report

After months of conversations, visits, research and analysis, we’re excited to launch Listen Better: Strengthening Care-Experienced Youth Voice Across Greater Manchester – the initial phase of our three-year care-experienced youth voice project funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. The mapping report explores participation opportunities and structures across Greater Manchester, drawing on evidence from all ten […]
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