You may be identified by a young person who would like to reconnect or stay connected with you because of the positive impact you've had in their life.
Please find information below to help you support someone as a Lifelong Link.
What is Lifelong Links?
Lifelong Links is an initiative designed to help children in care and care-experienced young people maintain important connections as they transition into adulthood. This evidence-based program supports them well beyond your professional role, fostering lasting relationships that have been shown to reduce isolation, improve mental health, and enhance well-being. By prioritizing these enduring relationships, Lifelong Links aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
You can view the Department for Education's evaluation report via GOV.UK.
Maintaining relationships
As professional connections conclude, Lifelong Links offers a way to maintain these relationships in a comfortable and balanced manner, benefiting both the worker and the young person. If you have been a caring and consistent figure in a young person's life, staying connected through Lifelong Links could be a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories.
We understand that this may feel a little different at first, but when you've been so involved in that young person's life, why should that connection have to end if it's right and safe to continue? It maybe helpful for you to speak with your employer if you are staying connected with a young person through Lifelong Links to ensure this aligns with their policies. The Lifelong Links plan formalises this relationship, making it clear, safe, and structured, rather than leaving it as an informal arrangement.
Video: Lifelong Links, Parice and Nicky' story - Family Rights Group:
Ian Wright’s teacher gave him direction - BBC:
A commitment
Becoming a Lifelong Link means exploring what you can offer the young person. It's about building connections that can endure throughout a young person's life, offering them support and encouragement as they navigate their care journey and transition into adulthood.
What does being a Lifelong Link look like?
Being a Lifelong Link is unique for everyone and varies with each young person. Here are some ways you could maintain a relationship:
- Sending birthday cards ('One Card Poem' - YouTube)
- Making occasional phone calls
- Checking in through text messages
- Meeting up for coffee
- Attending important milestones (graduations, sport events etc.)
- Offering career advice
- Providing a listening ear
- Welcoming them into your family, such as inviting them to join in for celebrations or family gatherings
Unable to participate?
Sometimes, it might not be the right time to commit to being a Lifelong Link, and that's okay. Even the smallest connection can make a meaningful impact on a young person's life. So, let's talk - reach out and have the conversation with us.
If being a Lifelong Link is not right for you, we would welcome that you write a short message for the young person and send it to lifelonglinks@warwickshire.gov.uk so we can include it in a card for them. If you're struggling to find the right words, please reach out - we're here to help. Your words can provide comfort and understanding, offering the young person a sense of closure and reassurance, so they are not left feeling uncertain or wondering.
