New ‘Going the Extra Mile’ card for West Sussex care leavers

West Sussex County Council has launched a new card for care leavers in a national first.
Latest newsLatest news
Latest news

The ‘Going the Extra Mile’ (GEM) card enables care leavers to access care and support to help with any difficulties they may face, even if they pass the age of council responsibility.

Before they reach 21 care leavers will now receive a letter containing their GEM card, explaining that if they have any difficulties in the future they will be able to visit the FindItOut Centres to receive advice and support.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Research shows that currently care leavers can feel isolated and abandoned when they leave care and a proportion are more likely to become homeless and have other negative outcomes.

The council currently has financial and resourcing responsibilities until the age of 21, but has followed its moral duty as ‘parents’ and will continue to help.

Peter Evans, cabinet member for children – start of life, said: “The Going the Extra Mile card is a safety net that will give care leavers a support network to help overcome any difficulties, just as any parent would of their own child.”

Those who left care since November 2014 will also receive a card.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

For more details visit www.yourspacewestsussex.co.uk or call the Leaving Care helpline number on 01243 777800.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.