STAFF from Lancashire County Council are making donations to ensure the most vulnerable young people leaving care get a festive boost this Christmas.

The authority hopes to raise as much as possible in the coming weeks to give many young care leavers a Christmas present.

While gifts have been donated in the past, the pandemic has meant this hasn't been possible, so last year a Go Fund Me donations page was set up by the authority.

Members of the public can also make a donation on the page.

The types of care that young people are leaving may include foster care and placements at residential homes or with family members.

Lancashire County Council's children's services team ensures care leavers have the support they need as they begin to live independently.

County Councillor Cosima Towneley, cabinet member for children and families, said: "Leaving care can be a challenging transition for young people.

"Our team of social workers and support officers do a fantastic job in preparing young people for independent living as they transform into adults.

"Budgeting, living independently and settling into a community as an independent being are new experiences, particularly for those who may not have strong relationships with family members and may not enjoy the sort of Christmas many of us have the good fortune to experience.

"I am delighted that, for the second year running, the Go Fund Me page is open for donations and urge the generous people of Lancashire to help our staff ensure care leavers have a gift to brighten their Christmas."

There is a team of front-line social workers and personal advisers who specialise in supporting care leavers in Lancashire.

Brendan Lee, head of service for looked after children and care leavers, said: "I am extremely proud of the efforts our team goes to in supporting care leavers every single day.

"We know them really well, so we work with them to identify their needs and tailor our support accordingly, but at this time of year, we feel something extra is needed.

"That's why we do all we can to ensure they have a gift to open at Christmas, and we can only do that with the support of our staff and the public.

"The Go Fund Me page currently shows last year's fund, which was over £5000. This has now been reactivated, so if you would like to donate, please visit the page and help us to put a smile on lots of faces this year!"

You can make a donation by visiting: https://www.gofundme.com/f/lancashire-care-leavers-christmas-gifts