New programme supports Gateshead children in care to maintain vital links

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15 July 2024

Children in care in Gateshead will be able to maintain important relationships with people like siblings, school friends, former foster carers or teachers, thanks to new funding we have received from the Department for Education.

Gateshead Council is receiving funding to roll-out the innovative Lifelong Links programme.

Lifelong Links was developed by the charity Family Rights Group, working with young people. It has been referred to as "one of the most successful innovations" in children's services in recent years by Isabelle Trowler CBE, the Government's Chief Social Worker for Children and Families. It responds to the fact that children may have important relationships broken as they move into or within the care system.

In the programme, a trained and independent Lifelong Links coordinator works with a child in care to find out who is important to them and who they would like to meet or be back in touch with. Working with the young person, they safely bring together this network of support at a Lifelong Links family group conference to make a plan to ensure these relationships continue to grow.

Cathy Ashley, chief executive of Family Rights Group, which worked with young people to develop Lifelong Links, says:"Lifelong Links is transforming lives for children in care. It is increasing the number of people they have to turn to, improving their mental health and sense of identity, and reducing the chance of becoming homeless. These and other impacts reduce councils' social care costs, meaning that the programme more than pays for itself. We can't wait to hear feedback and results from Gateshead Council on how it has improved the life chances of young people in care.

"While we're delighted to announce new Department for Education funding for 23 English councils, we believe that every child in care in the country needs to have access to Lifelong Links. The 2022 Independent review of children's social care agrees, and this new funding is a step in the right direction, meaning there are now 42 councils across the country delivering Lifelong Links. We're delighted that Gateshead Council is part of that and look forward to working with them."

Councillor Gary Haley, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: "Everyone needs people who care about them, who they can turn for emotional and practical support. Across the UK, Lifelong Links has already built relationships for thousands of cared for children and young adults, connecting and reuniting them with a loving support network. We're pleased to be able to extend this offer in Gateshead.

"If you're a young person in care and would like to find out more about Lifelong Links, contact your social worker or email Lifelong Links Gateshead"

For more information on Lifelong Links and how it supports children in care, see Sadie's story

To contact Gateshead Council Lifelong Links, email Lifelong Links Gateshead