Enhancing the Life Chances and Enabling the Educational Success of Calderdale’s Children in Care
Enhancing the Life Chances and Enabling the Educational Success of Calderdale’s Children in Care
TLC was launched in Calderdale in 2011 to improve the lives of Children Looked After by facilitating the support they need to fulfil their potential – whatever that may be.
Our fundraising activity supports added value initiatives designed to meet specific needs beyond the statutory care Calderdale’s Children Looked After already receive.
Children Looked After are growing up in a variety of residential or foster homes. Calderdale has over 300 Children Looked After aged 0-18 and the number varies as circumstances change. They are part of the 69,500 children in care in England.
TLC also aims to fund ‘added value’ support for young adults up to age 25 who were Children Looked After in Calderdale. These Care Leavers face the challenges of independent living, workplace training and Higher Education.
TLC Projects
The funds raised for TLC are used to initiate a number of projects that benefit Children Looked After and Care Leavers up to age 25 in Calderdale. These projects are chosen to support the aspirations of Children Looked After and help improve their opportunities and outcomes in a variety of ways usually with an emphasis on education, training or skills.
Letterbox
Since 2011 TLC has continuously funded the Letterbox Scheme which provides books and learning packages for Children Looked After of primary school age in Calderdale.
Busy Boxes
Busy boxes are toolkits of creative materials funded by TLC. They enable 3-6 year olds to enjoy active, creative play at home with their carers. Creative play builds confidence and helps with early development of the literacy skills which support all subjects at school.
Enrichment Fund
TLC’s Enrichment Fund provides financial help to applicants with a specific educational, training or development need which is not funded elsewhere. Examples include private tuition, uniforms and essential equipment for activities including sport and music.
Mentoring
Peer to peer mentoring (provided by Children Looked After who have been through the care system) supports younger children in high school and improves behaviour, confidence and results. TLC has piloted the scheme and will be funding mentoring in more Calderdale schools.
Independent Living
TLC has provided financial support for the GOAL project which supports Care Leavers in Calderdale. Through mentoring and workshops Care Leavers prepare for independent living, budgeting and managing their adult lives with peer support.
Patrons of TLC Charity
Trustees of TLC Charity
| President | Chair | Secretary | Treasurer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craig Whittaker MP | Peter Lister | Catherine Kirk | Peter Sleigh |
| Trustees | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Howard Blagbrough | Claire Haymonds | Christine Beal | Sharda Parthasarathi | Charles Brickdale |