A NEW plan aimed at helping young people leaving care has been unveiled.

The Care Leavers Strategy for County Durham outlines how Durham County Council and others will keep helping young people after they leave care, including on health, housing, education, employment and finance matters.

The strategy will go before the council’s cabinet next week (Wednesday, December 16).

Councillor Ossie Johnson, cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “National evidence suggests that outcomes for young people leaving care are poor compare to their peers.

“It is essential that we and our partners ensure that people leaving care continue to get the support and advice they need as they make the transition to adulthood and independence.

“This strategy sets out how we will achieve this and demonstrates our ambition and intentions for this very vulnerable group.”