Young people and councillors to plant a number of trees celebrating Dorset's care leavers

The trees were planted at the County Hall in Dorchester on Monday, October 28 marking the start of National Care Leavers’ Week.

This is part of the "‘Positivitrees" campaign created by the National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum to celebrate their 20th anniversary year

The forum is made up over 130 local authority leaving care teams, working together to improve the outcomes of young people leaving care.

Nick Wallis, cabinet member for children and young people, said “When someone turns 18 and has to leave care, it can be challenging.

"We work with young people to give them the support they need to find work or a place to live. We want to make sure they feel safe and supported and know where and who to go to for advice and help if they need it.

“I am very proud of the many brilliant achievements of our care leavers and that we can celebrate their good work by planting these trees as a sign of hope for the future.”

The trees symbolise how young people who are, or who have been in care will be given the support they need to grow and thrive. 

A magnolia tree was chosen by Dorset’s care leavers as their tree of choice. In some cultures, this tree is known to symbolise luck and stability, and it is one of the first trees to bloom in early spring, which some see as a symbol of new beginnings.

Cllr Stella Jones, chair of Dorset Council, said: “We are proud to be a part of this forum, who are working with care experienced young people to inspire the development of the best possible services and support.

“The tree symbolises our aspirations for our care experienced young people and our determination to help them to grow and thrive, in their own time, and at their own pace.

"We hope, like this tree, that they will reach new heights and that each and every one of them blooms in their own and unique way.”