More than 30 young people with care experience stepped into the shoes of Ealing Council staff on Friday (6 November).
The council’s annual Care Leavers’ Takeover Day gave young people the chance to explore different careers, share their experiences with senior members of council staff, and suggest ways to improve support for care leavers in the borough.
They spent the morning learning about different roles across the council and with organisations including Microsoft and the West London Alliance. Throughout the day, they explored topics including employment, mental health and artificial intelligence (AI), while finding out more about the services available to support residents.
Aaliyah Khan, 21, spent the day learning more about the support available to help residents into employment.
Aaliyah said: “It was outside my comfort zone. I learned about parts of Ealing Council that I did not realise existed and all the effort that goes into helping people like myself get a new job.
“I always wanted to work in recruitment, but after today I want to work at Ealing Council.”
Turning ideas into action
The impact of care leavers’ voices can already be seen across the council. In 2023, care experience was recognised by Ealing Council as a protected characteristic in the borough following a pledge made by council leader Peter Mason at the Care Leavers’ Summit.
In UK law, a protected characteristic of a person means it is illegal to discriminate against someone because of age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race, religion or belief; sex; or sexual orientation.
Feedback from last year’s takeover day helped shape the council’s Leaving Care Action Plan and contributed to 6 council apprenticeships for 2026/27, additional mental health support, and new employment and mentoring opportunities for care leavers.
The council offers a range of support for care leavers, including council tax exemption for eligible young people living independently until their 25th birthday, dedicated psychological support through leaving care services and practical help for young people moving towards independent living.
‘We have seen real improvements…’
A young care leaver also helped run this year’s event after the idea was suggested at last year’s takeover day.
Councillor Blerina Hashani, the council’s cabinet member for a fairer start, was among the council representatives taking part in the day and hearing directly from care leavers.
She said: “It was fantastic to spend time with young people and hear directly about their experiences, ambitions and ideas.
“Care Leavers’ Takeover Day is not just about learning about different careers. It is about making sure young people’s voices help shape the support available to them.
“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.”
