November 25, 2025

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust, in partnership with Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC), has hosted a successful celebration event in Ballymena to mark National Care Leavers Month.

The event brought together key partner organisations and care leavers from across the Trust area, providing a valuable opportunity for connection, relationship-building and raising awareness of the support available to young people leaving care.

Co-produced from the outset with care leavers, the event ensured young people’s voices, experiences and ideas shaped the programme and the atmosphere of the night.

Johnny Dillon, the Northern Trust’s Head of Service for the 16+, said: “This event proudly demonstrated how powerful co-production can be when young people’s expertise and lived experience lead the way, ensuring that care leavers are not only heard, but truly valued.

“During the event I had an opportunity to take part in a question and answer session with Rowan, a care leaver and VOYPIC rep. This important conversation allowed me to share current commitments and priorities for strengthening outcomes for care leavers.

“I want to say a very big thank you to everyone who helped to make this event so successful, and most importantly, all the care leavers who were involved behind the scenes and on the day. We could not have done this without them, and I hope it has helped to remind everyone that our care leavers have a voice that truly matters.”

The event was opened by care leaver, Valerija Galdikaite, who highlighted the importance of placing care leavers at the forefront of service development. Valerija reminded attendees that while statistics often dominate the narrative about care experience, many of the world’s most recognised fictional heroes reflect the resilience, bravery and creativity embodied by care leavers.

A panel discussion followed, featuring care leavers who spoke openly and honestly about their journeys, the challenges they have overcome, and the support that has made the biggest difference in their lives. Their stories were inspirational, resonating deeply with everyone in attendance and reinforcing the significance of continued improvement in leaving and aftercare services.

The event concluded on a high note with an energetic interactive workshop from Joe at The Gathering Drum, bringing joy, rhythm and a strong sense of togetherness to finish the night.

National Care Leavers Month takes place every November, and this year’s theme is rising as me: overcoming challenges, transforming and finding your identity.

The campaign calls on the public, professionals, carers, policy makers and the media to celebrate care leavers and care experienced individuals, amplify their voices, raise awareness of the challenges they face and encourage meaningful change in policy and practice.