A special tree planting ceremony took place to symbolise the local authority's commitment to support those leaving care.

The tree was planted in Queens Park as part of celebrations to mark Nation Care Leavers' Week.

Cllr Martin Donaghy, the executive cabinet member for children's services and Cllr Andy Morgan, Mayor of Bolton joined care leavers to plant a "positivitree."

The tree serves as a reminder of the  local authority's commitment to supporting care leavers, who often face difficulties transitioning to independent living.

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A survey recently found that 77 per cent of care leavers struggled to buy food at least some of the time, and 62 per cent found it difficult to get the mental health support they needed.

Planting of the positivitree (Image: Supplied) Cllr Donaghy said: “As a council we are committed to giving every young person the best possible start in life but we know care leavers can face additional challenges.

"This new tree in Queens Park will serve as a prominent reminder of the role we can all play in helping care leavers to succeed and thrive as adults."

Each area has a 'local offer' which is a package of support and information for care leavers up to the age of 25.

In Bolton, care leavers get help and information from an assigned personal adviser on education, employment, accommodation, and finances.

Help in Bolton for care leavers can be found on Bolton Council’s Local Offer page.

Cllr Donaghy added: “Here in Bolton we have a wide ranging support offer for young people with experience of care and we will always look to expand this wherever possible."