Thrive is a new Career Matters developed digital platform.  Thrive offers a personal development programme and careers service to support children in care, care leavers, those with lived care experience and/or the criminal justice system.  Thrive is an engaging, interactive, online programme and resource that prepares learners for the world of work and provides inspirational opportunities.

The unique Thrive platform enables Career Matters to provide a full service that supports those with care experience into employment, through coaching, training, advice, access to networks and employment opportunities, all housed in a central digital hub.   

Our online learning programme develops skills and competencies through completion of activities which support decision making regarding career pathways.   

Our Thrive digital platform enables employers, education providers and partners to provide a range of opportunities and experiences. 

Our service is impartial and independent for care leavers of all ages.  

Thrive is a new Career Matters developed digital platform. Thrive offers a personal development programme and careers service and mentoring to support individuals that have personal experience of the criminal justice system in the community and detained secure estate. 

 Thrive is an engaging, interactive, online programme and resource that prepares learners for the world of work and provides inspirational opportunities. 

 The unique Thrive platform enables Career Matters to provide a full service that supports those with Lived Experience of the criminal justice system into employment, through coaching, training, advice, mentoring and access to networks and employment opportunities, all housed in a central digital hub. 

 Career Matters also develops skills for the future world of work, with education providers and employers, to address the challenges facing industry sectors and recruitment practices for individuals in the criminal justice system. The demands of the future workforce require new ways of working, training and attracting talent. 

Career Matter is also commissioned by NHS England for the Lived Experience Charter on the national roll of the charter and is working with 21 sites across the RECONNECT, L&D, HMP, HMYOI, CYPSE, CARE EXP and VANGUARDS services for an open and inclusive workforce for People with Lived Experience. 

Career Matters Missions and Objectives to create a more inclusive workforce for individuals that are disadvantaged in getting into careers especially people with lived of experience of the criminal justice. We inspire ‘hope’ for individuals that are experiencing challenges in life. We know through first-hand experience as individuals that have been through the criminal justice system – the barriers we face to get into employment and career progression. The aim of the project is to support with the barriers of the digital divide from these communities that are disadvantaged to have fulfilling lives and have better Job prospects in the health & Justices services. Our team at Career Matters have personal lived experience in the criminal justice system and have faced many barriers to get into jobs and career pathway and utilise their own lived experience through the process to support this community. 

A disconnect exists between job opportunities and people with lived experience of criminal justice ability to access them. 

  • 42% prison population were excluded from school. 
  • Only 17% of prison leavers get a job within a year of release. 
  • Adults released from custodial sentences of less than 12 months had a proven reoffending rate of 61.0%.  
  • 27% of adult prison population are care experienced.  
  • 37% of prison leavers state that they would need help finding a place to live when they were released. 
  • Some prison leavers don’t have digital skills, especially older prison leavers and those released from long sentences. 
  • 50% of prisoners have a reading age of 11 years old (Shannon Trust Report). 

⅓ of prison leavers self-identify on initial assessment as having a learning difficulty and/or disability 

Thrive is a new Career Matters developed digital platform.  Thrive offers a personal development programme and careers service and mentoring to support individuals that have experienced the criminal justice system.  Thrive is an engaging, interactive, online programme and resource that prepares learners for the world of work and provides inspirational opportunities. 

Career Matters also develops skills for the future world of work, with education providers and employers, to address the challenges facing industry sectors.  The demands of the future workforce require new ways of working, training and attracting talent.  

The dedicated team at Career Matters are skilled professionals at implementing innovative projects which seek to democratise access to education and employment for individuals from the criminal justice system. Lived Experience Charter 

Why?

Young people in care and care leavers face significant barriers to progression.  This is due to, lack of stable housing; financial instability; lack of access to mental health support; adverse childhood experiences (ACEs); low self-esteem; exploitation environments adding to criminal records and involvement with the justice system (affecting ability to apply for jobs); minimal or non-existent support networks; loneliness; and social exclusion.  A disconnect exists between job opportunities and care leavers ability to access them.

The unique Thrive platform enables Career Matters to provide a full service that supports those with Lived Experience of the criminal justice system into employment, through coaching, training, advice, mentoring and access to networks and employment opportunities, all housed in a central digital hub.  

Insight into the care experience…

There is minimal data about the career pathways, academic and professional achievements of care experienced people.  Government data shows a snapshot in time regarding care leavers outcomes, critically these statistics are at a time when many care leavers are living independently for the first time, with limited, if any, support networks.  

Our consultation and research to date show that many care leavers go on to achieve stability in their lives, build exciting careers, achieve the highest levels of academic qualifications and professional achievements.

Our project supports the Keep on Caring OutcomesSupporting Young People from Care to Independence (publishing.service.gov.uk)

  • Better preparation to live independently. 
  • Improved access to education, employment, or training.  
  • Financial Stability.

Thrive will contribute to demonstrate the many success stories and resilience of those with care experience.  Raising awareness of the challenges facing this group and improving understanding and support available.   

Thrive – Benefits to Care Leavers

  • Dedicated career coach – Career RoadMap, CV, Interview Skills and ongoing support.
  • Opportunities to participate in work experience, industry events and employability support.
  • Digital Skills and Digital Portfolio of skills, learning and achievements.
  • Range of learning resources for all levels of ability.
  • Career/Vocational Awareness.
  • Self-confidence and a network of support.
  • Work Experience/Internships/Apprenticeships across a range of sectors and pathways into apprenticeships with an array of employers.
  • Employability
  • Peer Support
  • Independent Living Skills

*Note – Career Coaching is different to mentoring. A career coach is a qualified and accredited professional who believes in who you are and works with you to achieve your full potential.

Are you a Care Leaver?

Register your interest by getting in touch:

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Career Matters Digital Pledge

  1. Strengthen the digital offer of support for Children in Care and Care Leavers.
  2. Widen access to opportunities for career guidance, work experience and apprenticeships.
  3. Improve preparation and support networks to live independently.
  4. Ensure access to employment, education, and training.
  5. Commit to improving safety awareness, including online.
  6. Connect care leavers with improved access to health and wider support systems.
  7. Improve financial stability.
  8. Address social mobility, improve awareness and raise aspirations.
  9. Support and empower all professionals, education providers and Industry by providing digital resources and engagement.

Commission Our Services

  • Thrive is an interactive employability programme developing skills and competences.
  • Employer recognised skills and support network
  • Completing the programme achieves all 8 Gatsby Benchmarks.
  • Completing the programme prepares young people and adults to navigate their futures.
  • Networks of peer support.
  • Referral processes with range of additional support.
  • Tracking of activity and destinations.
  • Data insights

Commission Our Services

Are you an Organisation looking to find out more about Thrive?
Find out more or arrange a meeting by getting in touch today.
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Are you an employer looking to find out more about Thrive?

Find out more or arrange a meeting by getting in touch today.
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Are you a Local Authority or Virtual School looking to find out more about Thrive?
Find out more or arrange a meeting by getting in touch today.
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