Generation Selfie: Chloe chairs discussion table at Barnardo’s conference event

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, helped lead discussions on improving outcomes for disadvantaged young people. The event, run by Barnardo’s, saw the launch of new research on the challenges facing today’s generation.

A third of young people today say it’s easier to show who they are online than face to face. The world that young people will inherit is fundamentally different to that of their parents, which raises questions about the support young people need in preparation for adulthood.

Barnardo’s have called for twenty thousand of the three million apprenticeships pledged by the Government to be reserved for those leaving care. Around ten thousand young people leave care each year.

Speaking about the event Chloe said:

“It was good to have a chance to get really stuck in to the research launched by Barnardo’s and Ipsos Mori today on the views and aspirations of young people.

“Supporting those coming out of care is a major challenge and we only have one chance to get it right. The Care to Work programme will continue to provide care leavers with work experience, apprenticeships and other vital training opportunities. The Government is also ensuring that care leavers who need help managing their money are able to access personalised budgeting support.”

Chloe chairs the APPGs on Youth Employment and Youth Affairs. In Norwich she has played a leading role in the Norwich for Jobs project, which has succeeded in halving youth unemployment in the city.