An emotive new film, ‘The Unseen,’ has been made by Essex County Council’s Essex Year of Opportunity to challenge employers’ perceptions of young people leaving care.
The film follows the journeys of young care leavers and their experiences in the workplace. ‘The Unseen’ is narrated and supported by Essex-based Olympian, Fatima Whitbread, who grew up in care. The film shows how resilient and hardworking care leavers can be.
Spearheading the campaign is Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability. He said: “The Essex Year of Opportunity is here to help everyone in Essex thrive. The Unseen shows how, given opportunity and belief, these young people can bring extraordinary courage, creativity and resilience to our workplaces.”
Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Integration, said: “It is our duty not just to support care leavers with a roof over their heads, but to champion their ambitions and employ their unique strengths.”
Essex had approximately 1,164 children and young people in looked-after settings in 2024. The figure was expected to increase to 1,221 by summer 2026.
48% of children and young people requiring provision have a care order, with the majority between 10 and 15 years old.
Fatima Whitbread grew up in care before she set the world record for the longest throw of a javelin. She is supporting the campaign and calling on businesses to help.
She said: “Care leavers face bigger challenges than others trying to get a foot on the career ladder. They face negative stereotypes about being a ‘child in care’, through no fault of their own.
“When you’re a care leaver you have no parent to drive you to your first job interview, or help with a CV, it’s hard. But these young people have grown up quicker than others and can be much more resilient and hardworking.
“Businesses in Essex could benefit from hiring a care leaver, and I’d encourage employers to give a care leaver an opportunity.”
‘The Unseen’ is a thought-provoking film, created from a series of care leavers’ stories from across the county.
It explores how challenging it can be for care leavers to step into adulthood and find their first job. The film also demonstrates how these young people can thrive with the right support from employers.
Out of all the actors in the film, one young care leaver wanted to tell her own story. Grace is an Essex-based care leaver. She benefited from a protected position at Ginger Nut, a training apprenticeship supplier.
Grace said: “It was terrifying leaving care and having to get a job, it was like being an adult before I really felt ready. But Ginger Nut offered me a scholarship and upon completion I’m now about to start an apprenticeship with them. It’s been incredible, and I’m so excited for the next couple of years!”
Ginger Nut has been impressed with Grace’s development and is keen to share the benefits with other employers. Jemma Moorey, Enrolment Administrator at Ginger Nut, said: “We have a protected position for care leavers. We promote diversity but we also want to do it. Having Grace in the office makes us more considerate to others, we now want to care for each other. It’s helped improve our business and boosted staff retention.”
To find out more about employing a care leaver, visit www.essexyearofopportunity.co.uk/support-care-leavers-employment-and-apprenticeships
