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Member of Parliament for Bradford East@DavidWardMP on Twitter and Facebook |
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David Ward MP <>
MP demands action to help care leavers stand on their own two feet
March 11, 2011 10:04 AM
David Ward MP has given his backing to a campaign by leading children's charities for savings accounts to be set up to help young people as they leave care. 
Action for Children and Barnardo's launched the campaign at an event held in Parliament this week. At the event David met with Hawker Hussain, a young care leaver from Bradford, to discuss his experiences, and the current lack of financial support for young people leaving care.
There are approximately 900 children and young people in care in Bradford, who without additional financial support will be left stranded and struggling at the time when they need it most.
Commenting, David Ward said:
"Most people have had lots of help from their parents over the years, and we do what we can for our own children. But youngsters leaving care can't call on the bank of mum and dad.
They are entitled to every bit of financial assistance we can give them. I fully support Action for Children and Barnardo's' call for a new savings account for this group of vulnerable children, and will do all I can to ensure they get the support they need to build bright futures."
Dame Clare Tickell, Chief Executive of Action for Children said:
"Leaving care can be a frightening time for young people - they are often alone and fending for themselves at the age of 18 or even younger. We owe it to them to make sure that they, like many of those who are not in care, have savings that help them to plan their future.
"We are very grateful to David Ward for his support on this campaign to get more practical help to help them stand on their own two feet as adults."