In September, more than 150 colleagues from all 11 local authorities across the region gathered at the Hertfordshire Development Centre for the first Eastern Region Leaving Care Network Conference. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for attendees to network, share best practice, and reflect on key areas of practice.

The conference brought attention to important topics such as transitional safeguarding, supporting young people moving from being NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) to EET (Education, Employment, or Training), and trauma-informed approaches.

Inspiring keynote speeches were delivered by Dr Jenny Molloy, author of Hackney Child, Scott King, Director of Section 31 Training, and members of the Eastern Region Care Leavers Participation Group. Their powerful stories and insights struck a chord with the audience, offering both challenge and inspiration. Alongside the keynote presentations, workshop sessions focused on improving EET opportunities for care leavers and embedding trauma-informed practices into everyday work.

The Eastern Region Leaving Care Network is committed to building on the insights from the conference to drive further regional initiatives, aiming to enhance the experiences and outcomes of care leavers across the East.

Find out more about how the 11 authorities work together across the region here.