We need your views and opinions on the new "Staying On" Policy. For those that don't know what it is, then simply it's Durham's initiative to raise the age of leaving care from 16 to 18 for those that want it or need it. It's not compulsary but it may help a lot of young people from entering the poverty trap and get them into further education, employment or training.

We think it's a good thing but what do you think? email your views to careindurham@btconnect.com or give us a ring on 0191 3844200. We're particularly looking at what are your views on the policy, what you think needs to be considered in making the policy work and how can young people be involved in making it work.

As soon as we can, we'll put the policy on the site for you to read.

Crisis Loans

After helping some young people to try and get a crisis loan, we found that the system is absolutely useless. They spent the better part of three hours trying to get through on the 'hotline' and still never made it. When they went to the Job Centre Plus in Durham for a face to face interview, the staff didn't want to know and denied that the interview/appointment hadn't been arranged even though we know it was , via the YPA service and the Welfare Rights Officer. Some of the staff there were very rude and condescending too to the young people, not very professional at all, in fact they were rude to me until they found I was the manager here and then they became polite!

If you have a problem or have had one, please let us know as we intend to take up the matter with the DWP and also our County Councillors and our MP if necessary.

Contact us on the usual numbers or email us with your experiences.

Thanks.