More than 30 young people who grew up in care spent 6 November in council roles. The council says last year's ideas fed into six apprenticeships and more mental health support.

More than 30 young people who grew up in care spent Friday 6 November working alongside Ealing Council staff. It was the council’s annual Care Leavers’ Takeover Day.

The council announced the day on 12 November. It said the young people learned about jobs across the council and with partners including Microsoft and the West London Alliance, the councils’ joint body for west London.

What happened on the day

The group talked to senior staff about their own experience of leaving care and how support could be better. The council said sessions covered:

  • employment
  • mental health
  • artificial intelligence
  • the services residents can use

One care leaver helped run this year’s event. The council said that idea came from last year’s takeover day.

Aaliyah Khan, 21, spent the day with the team that helps residents into work. “I always wanted to work in recruitment, but after today I want to work at Ealing Council,” she told the council.

What last year’s ideas changed

The council said feedback from the 2025 takeover day shaped its Leaving Care Action Plan. It says that feedback contributed to:

  • six council apprenticeships for 2026/27
  • extra mental health support
  • new job and mentoring opportunities

The council has recognised care experience as a protected characteristic in the borough since 2023. Council leader Peter Mason made that pledge at a Care Leavers’ Summit. Care experience is not one of the characteristics protected by national equality law, such as age, race and disability, so the borough’s recognition is a local commitment.

Councillor Blerina Hashani, cabinet member for a fairer start, took part. She said: “We have already seen real improvements as a result of feedback from care leavers, and today’s conversations will help us continue building services and opportunities that help young people thrive.”

What it means for you

If you are a care leaver living in the borough, the council says it offers:

  • council tax exemption until your 25th birthday, if you are eligible and living independently (see council tax discounts in Ealing)
  • psychological support through its leaving care service
  • practical help moving towards living on your own

Your personal adviser in the leaving care service is the first person to ask about any of these.

Sources