Arts Council England chief executive Darren Henley and author and broadcaster Lemn Sissay MBE will explore the role that culture can play in enhancing creativity and life skills of people in care at a conference in Derby.
The Culture Cares conference at Derby Theatre on Tuesday 30 October takes place during National Care Leavers Week.
Caroline Barth, creative learning director at Derby Theatre, said, “all children and young people should have the opportunity to lead happy and fulfilled lives, no matter where they are born or live.
“Statistics show that if you grow up in care you’re five times more likely to be convicted of a criminal offence and five times more likely to have been excluded from school.
“Overall, children in care face a much higher risk of homelessness, teenage pregnancy and unemployment. Through partnership work, we have a real chance to innovate and do things differently.”
Culture Cares will give young care leavers the opportunity to be heard by those in both the arts and social care sectors.
Chloe, a young care leaver who is beginning an apprenticeship at Derby Theatre and is helping to produce Culture Cares, said, “professionals in care have given me the foundations to a fresh start in life; all those things you should already have but I didn’t.
“Care professionals were hugely important in my growth and development, but the system can’t possibly cater and support every individual young person’s aspirations and creativity.
“Creative programmes have opened so many doors for me. They’ve helped me connect with others through something that I’m really passionate about and have given me a platform for my future development.”