Great results from Aimhi

5th December 2006

The latest statistics show that more of our care leavers than ever are fully occupied, and increasing numbers are going to university.

Occupation

A stunning 76% of young people leaving care in Lambeth and using St Christopher’s Aimhi service this year are now occupied in education, training or work.

This is an impressive improvement on last year’s figure of 67% and an amazing achievement compared with the national average of 59% (2005), against a background of generally high unemployment in the Lambeth area.

University places

Research recently carried out by Barnardos reports that an estimated 1% of care leavers go to university, compared to 37% of all young people. We are working to redress that imbalance.

Our partners in Lambeth tell us that five years ago there were approximately 5 young care leavers attending university, whereas in 2006 there are 45 Aimhi/Lambeth care leavers either attending a university course or graduating.

We are also seeing a larger number planning to go to university in 2007 than any previous year. The above outcomes are the result of

• The good partnership between Aimhi and the Leaving Care Team
• Good Pathway planning
• Ongoing support given by Aimhi post 18yrs
• The work of specialists at Aimhi  – the Motivation to Occupation worker at Aimhi worked with over 40 long term unoccupied young people this year and assisted over 50% of them to become occupied, thus increasing our overall outcomes on occupation.
• Access to Charity grants for young people.

Congratulations to all Aimhi staff and service users, and best wishes for an even more successful 2007.