New housing charter for care leavers launched as council celebrates Care Leavers’ Month

Cheshire East Council has launched a new housing charter for care leavers aged 16–25, developed in close partnership with local housing providers.

The initiative aims to provide stable accommodation and tailored guidance to help young people transition confidently into independent adulthood.

The charter represents a shared commitment between the council and registered social housing providers to create safe, secure, and nurturing environments where care-experienced young people (CEYP) can thrive. It sets out a clear framework for collaboration, outlining how partners will work together to support care leavers at every stage of their housing journey—from pre-tenancy preparation and budgeting, to securing and sustaining independent tenancies.

Signatories to the charter include Peaks and Plains Housing Trust, Plus Dane Housing, Weaver Vale Housing Trust, and others, all united in their dedication to improving outcomes for care leavers.

Personal Advisors who are specialist professionals who guide and support CEYP, will also play a central role in delivering the charter’s commitments. They will ensure young people are equipped with the life skills they need to live independently, while also offering support in areas such as mental health, education, employment and training, finances, parenting, and building support networks.

To mark the launch, a series of videos created by care leaver ambassadors will be released throughout the month on the council’s Junction 16 app for care leavers. These videos offer peer led advice and insights on preparing to move into independent living, helping to empower and inspire others.

Councillor Laura Crane, chair of Cheshire East Council’s children and families committee, said:

“This housing charter is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong partnership working. It’s a vital step forward in our mission to ensure that every care experienced young person has the support they need to build a successful, independent future.

“With 421 care leavers aged 18 to 25 currently supported by the council, this charter strengthens our commitment to them as corporate parents. It complements the work of our care leaver hubs and our digital Local Offer, which continues to grow as a trusted source of support and opportunity.”

Sue Morcillo, neighbourhood manager at Peaks and Plains Housing Trust, said:

“We’re proud to support the housing charter for care experienced young people and recognise the importance of stable, supportive housing in helping young care leavers build independent lives.

“Within our neighbourhood team, we’ve introduced a dedicated champion who works closely with care leavers from the point of allocation, adapting support to meet their individual needs. From completing visual sign-ups to regular check-ins, we’re committed to making sure every young person feels safe, heard, and empowered in their new home.”

The launch of the charter coincides with National Care Leavers Month, a national campaign honouring care experienced individuals and their personal experiences and challenges. This is the first time the former week long campaign has been extended to a month long celebration, and this year explores the theme ‘rising as me: overcoming challenges, transforming and finding your identity.”

Throughout November, the council is hosting a programme of events and activities for care leavers, including bowling, cookery sessions, graphic design workshops, virtual golf, willow weaving, scavenger hunts, and more. These events are promoted through the Junction 16 app, where young people can sign up directly and access a wealth of support and information.

As a visible show of support, the Municipal Building in Crewe will be illuminated in blue on Monday 24th November, as part of the national Light Up campaign.

Councillor Laura Crane continued:

“We are proud to stand with our care leavers and are committed to doing everything we can to support them.

We will soon be introducing care leaver champions across the council will further strengthen our role as corporate parents, ensuring that the voices and needs of our care-experienced young people remain at the heart of everything we do.”

Cheshire East care leaver, Barry Howden, shared all about the charter and his involvement in its development, in the council’s latest YouTube video, which you can watch here...