Somerset County Council's Leaving Care Team has been named as runner up for a prestigious national award.

The team were named runners up in the 'Team of the Year' category at the National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum (NLCBF) Awards, held at The Studio in Birmingham.

SCC's Leaving Care Team, who were praised in the Council's recent Ofsted inspection, offer support to young people aged 16-25 who have been in the care of the Council as they become adults, living independent lives.

Somerset's Leaving Care team - based in Taunton, Bridgwater, Yeovil and Shepton Mallet - work with care leavers to support them with finding jobs, housing and all the issues young people have as they begin life as an adult.

Councillor Tessa Munt, Somerset County Council Executive Lead Member for Children and Families, said: "This award is a fabulous acknowledgement of the positive impact our teams make in the lives of our care leavers in Somerset.

"As a Council we want to make sure young people leaving the County's care have really good access to employment, education, training opportunities, and are prepared and supported to live independently."

Kelsey Nichol, one of Somerset County Council's Leaving Care Apprentices, took part in organising the NLCBF Awards event.

As a Champion she amplifies the voices and experiences of over 600 care leavers in Somerset to make sure they are heard and has attended national events themed around the cost of living and LGBTQ+ support.

Kelsey said: "It was fantastic to be involved in organising these awards. The event was a real success and helps to promote the voices of care leavers in such a positive way.

"It was also great to see Somerset's Leaving Care Team recognised as part of this."

For more information about support for care leavers in Somerset, visit: Somerset Leaving Care Local Offer – Local Offer (somersetcareleavers.org.uk).