Supporting Care Leavers into Careers (CLIC), North West

Client: Catch22

Care Leavers into Careers (CLIC) is an employability programme delivered by Catch22 in partnership with Barclays LifeSkills across Liverpool and Greater Manchester. The programme supports care experienced young people (CEYP) who face significant barriers to employment, including disrupted education, limited professional networks and low confidence.

Barclays plays a central role through sustained funding and hands on staff engagement. Barclays colleagues volunteer their time to deliver employability workshops, mentoring and skills sessions using the Barclays LifeSkills curriculum, and host participants in corporate offices – helping young people build confidence and understand workplace expectations.

CLIC provides trauma informed, holistic support through dedicated Career Mentors, with in work support for up to six months. Since 2023, the programme has supported 357 care experienced young people, with 110 progressing into employment or apprenticeships. Crucially, thanks to the Barclays LifeSkills founding partnership, Catch22 has attracted further investment to model CLIC in other areas across the UK, showing how best practice in the North West can create opportunities for young people across the country.