ARU Final Report

Full Report – March 2021 5 Acknowledgements Firstly, we would like to thank the care leavers across the six local authorities – Cornwall, Essex, Hertfordshire, Medway, South Tyneside, and Stockport, (Kirstee, Tiffany, Sophie, Joseph, Anna, Jack, Kirsty, Daniel, Penny, Shannon, Shannon, Jessica, Annie, Chloe, Jordan, Robyn, Hannah, Charlton, Kaya, James, Charlotte, Charlie, Tonicha, Emily and Ella), who formed our research team. You contributed your time and shared your experiences to develop this research and it could not have happened without you. We would also like to thank the care leavers who took part in the questionnaire and shared experiences that will help to inform how to better support care leavers during the pandemic and beyond. The support workers from each local authority (as well as Carefree in Cornwall and Young Lives Foundation, Medway) have gone above and beyond to support their care leavers in the research team as well as distributing the questionnaire to care leavers in their local authority. Thank you for your support and commitment to the research throughout. Finally, we would like to thank Essex County Council for their additional support and guidance that has driven the research forwards. In particular, thank you to Lee who produced the film, which brings a personal touch to the research findings.