Two of the largest charities to support care leavers have announced plans to merge.
The Rees Foundation provides a variety of support and services to young people leaving the care system, many of whom remain vulnerable without the support of families or relatives. The self-explanatory Care Leavers Foundation undertakes similar work, including the provision of grants.
Now, following several months of discussions, the two organisations have concluded that the overlap is so extensive that a merger is the best way forward. Trustees of the Care Leavers Foundation explained:
“Everyone involved with Rees Foundation and The Care Leavers’ Foundation is committed to this change, seeing a greater benefit to people with care experience, better service provision, more support and more opportunities.”
As two of the very few organisations to focus on care leavers, the aims and ethos of both charities was very similar, the trustees continued.
The new joint organisation is to be named Rees: The Care Leavers’ Foundation.