EQUANS provides support for care leavers through specialist 'Helping Hands' Initiative

In May, EQUANS' Social Value Manager, Julian Sanz, arranged for a number of volunteers to help undertake redecoration works to the new home of care leavers.

When the Government launched the Care Leaver Covenant (CLC) in 2018 as part of their 'Keep on Caring' strategy, EQUANS was the first Signatory Member, committing to supporting young people leaving care to become independent. Although EQUANS initially pledged to provide training and employment skills, mentoring, and job opportunities, it quickly became apparent that we could help care leavers further in their transition to independence.

Recognising the expectation for young care leavers to be fully independent once they turn 18, EQUANS has been providing practical support through our bespoke 'Helping Hands' initiatives. As part of our initiative, resources, materials and tradespersons are donated to carry out practical repairs and improvements to help care leavers in their first new home.

On 4th May, Julian was joined by volunteers from EQUANS, where they helped care leavers, Laura and Carla decorate their new property.

They redecorated the lounge and kitchen, giving everything a good clean as they went. Our supply chain partners, Dulux Decorator Centre also generously donated all the required paint.