Smoothing the Path: Supporting Learners with Experience of Care
Our Working Group for Learners with Experience of Care hosted the Smoothing the Path conference at Goldsmiths University this year. This event aimed to support professionals and young people by inspiring them through role models and sharing best practices tailored to this group of learners.
The conference began with an inspiring line-up of keynote speakers:
Lucy Barnes, a barrister with care experience and founder of Lawyers Who Care
Clare Cameron and Hanan Hauari from University College London (UCL)
Matthew Blood, Sharon Long, and the Pan London Care Leavers Trust
Followed by presentations from our university partners Goldsmiths, Kingston, and Greenwich University, to highlight how their support worked in action concluding with a panel featuring the keynote speakers and care-experienced Student Ambassadors, who answered questions from the audience.
The afternoon continued with insightful workshops on Degree Apprenticeships, from Kirsty McQueen from the Care Leaver’s Covenant and Mentoring Care-Experienced Individuals, jointly led by Jasmine Okoyo, Chi Chi Young Minds, and Michelle Anson from Access HE.
The day also saw the launch of Aimhigher London’s The Practitioner’s Guide with information on:
- Choosing a Course to Study at University
- Applying for Degree Apprenticeships
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Support at University for Care Leavers
- The Local Offer
It was such a positive day. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to the success of the Smoothing the Path conference. We look forward to continuing our support for learners with experience of care.
