A new Lancashire County Council book and exhibition supporting National Care Leavers’ Week has launched. 

The Happy Being Me book contains around 50 letters that were written by children and young people in 2017. Each letter, written to themselves, captures their thoughts and feelings about being in care and looked after by the county council. 

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The Happy Being Me exhibition features new letters written by children and young people who have been or are either currently looked after by the council. 

These letters describe the activities and events that make them happy and have a positive influence on their mental health. 

The exhibition will run at the Harris from Thursday 31 October to Wednesday 6 November.

Read more: ‘Welcome to Preston’ photography exhibition coming to The Larder

National Care Leavers’ Week, running from Monday 28 October to Sunday 3 November, highlights the needs of care leavers and encourages all organisations responsible for looking after them to work effectively together. 

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: “I’m pleased that we’ve compiled the book from the letters that were written by the children and young people in 2017. It makes for very poignant reading. 

“The letters are all different, and give a very personal view of experiences of being looked after, as well as an insight into their adult life. 

“The exhibition showcases very individual thoughts on what makes the children and young people happy, and importantly what impacts on their mental health in a positive way. 

“The national campaign aims to raise awareness of care leavers and I hope that as many people as possible take this opportunity and visit the exhibition. 

“We intend to make really good use of the individual experiences shared in the book and the letters, by using them as part of the training of people working with children including foster carers and social workers.” 

You can find out more information about the exhibition by emailing either jane.hylton@lancashire.gov.uk or roxanne.mcallister@lancashire.gov.uk in the county council’s leaving care service.

Read more: See what’s on in Preston

Will you be going to the exhibition? Let us know in the comments.