Baking up a storm for National Care Leavers' Week

Baking up a storm for National Care Leavers’ Week in Redbridge 

Young people leaving care in Redbridge are being invited to a series of special events this week designed to help them reconnect with other young people.

The events have been organised by Redbridge Council’s Leaving Care Service Team to align with National Care Leavers Week, which runs from 25-31 October. It includes an open mic night, a dedicated evening for young parents with children and a cake decorating class led by 22-year-old Zhane Decembre.

Zhane is a care experienced young person in Redbridge, and continues to work closely with the Leaving Care Service Team. She recently launched her own successful cake making business, Blissful Cakes London, and recently even saw Camila, Duchess of Cornwall, sample her selection of tasty delights.   

Cllr Elaine Norman, Cabinet Member for Care Services at Redbridge Council said:

“The process of leaving care should make young people feel safe, supported, confident, and ready for the future. Without the right support in place, turning 18 can feel incredibly scary, abrupt and disruptive, as the feeling of ‘care’ stops at a time in life when young people need stability the most. Through our experience of working closely with care leavers over many years, and listening to their views to make sure the services we are provide are what they need, we have developed a leaving care service which offers support and guidance combined with tailored support to help people maximise their potential as they enter adulthood. Zhane is one of the many success stories among care leavers in Redbridge. She is a role model and I hope her story provides inspiration to others.”

Now mother to a young son, Zhane continues to live in the borough. She said:

“I have been very lucky in that I have been able to put the issues that resulted in me living in care behind me and my business is now taking off nicely. I was working alongside Barnardo’s to orchestrate and organise the opening of the charity’s Well Being Hub in Ilford and was introduced to the Duchess. She made some lovely comments about my cakes and I even presented her with a box of cupcakes which she said she would share with Prince Charles.”

There are currently 251 care experienced young people receiving support from the Leaving Care Team in Redbridge, ranging in age from 18-25. They are supported in all aspects of their development to support them making a successful transition into adulthood.

If you are a care leaver under the age of 25 and need support or advice, please contact the care team duty number of 0208 708 6807 and ask to speak to a personal advisor.

Photo shows Zhane presenting her cup cakes to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall