Care Leavers Programme Grows with Major National Investment

We’re pleased to share that we will be able to expand the support we offer to young people leaving care in Wiltshire and Swindon, thanks to new investment in the national Care Leavers Programme.

The programme, led by UK Community Foundations (UKCF) and supported by the Local Authorities’ Mutual Investment Trust (LAMIT) and CCLA, has received a further £1.7 million over the next three years from the Henry Smith Foundation. With match funding, this will bring almost £100,000 in additional funding to Wiltshire and Swindon to continue and grow our support.

The Care Leavers Programme was launched in 2024 to help young people aged 16–25 who are moving on from care to adulthood. For many, this transition happens without the family networks and financial safety nets that others can rely on.

Our programme focuses on three key areas: mentoring, education and training, and positive experiences that build skills, confidence and networks — the everyday building blocks that help young people take confident steps into independence.

In the first year of the programme, we joined 16 other community foundations in supporting more than 2,000 care leavers across the UK. Locally, we funded 80 young people, helping them access the tools and opportunities that support a more secure transition to independence.

The new funding means we can extend and deepen the support we offer. It also means the programme will reach 14 new areas across the UK — including Northern Ireland and Wales — strengthening the national commitment to ensuring that care leavers receive the same opportunities as their peers.

Anand Shukla, Chief Executive at Henry Smith Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to fund the expansion of the Care Leaver Programme across the UK. This work is important and ambitious – bringing together community foundations, local authorities and the Henry Smith Foundation. Together, we’ll increase critical support for both care leavers and the charitable organisations supporting them as they navigate their way into adulthood.”

Emma de Closset, Chief Executive at UK Community Foundations, said: “The Care Leavers Programme has already demonstrated the power of local partnerships to create real, lasting change for care-experienced young people. We have seen the impact of this programme in its first year, and we are delighted to expand it further with the support of the Henry Smith Foundation.

“The next phase represents a fantastic opportunity for more local and national partner organisations to help build a fairer start for young people leaving care, ensuring they have the support that every young person deserves.”

Fiona Oliver, Chief Executive of Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation, said: “One of the strengths of the Care Leavers Programme is the way it brings together local authorities, community groups and funders to provide joined-up support. This collaborative approach ensures care leavers are connected to the right help at the right time — whether that’s financial, educational or emotional.

“We’re grateful to the Henry Smith Foundation for their donation, and to all match funders who continue to double the impact of every pound given. With demand for support continuing across our communities, this funding will allow us to make a meaningful difference to more young people leaving care — helping them build stable, secure and fulfilling futures.”

Photo credit: SMASH Youth Project