The event took place at STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway and brought together employers, voluntary groups and public sector organisations.
It was sponsored by CCLA and delivered in partnership with Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation.
Those attending heard directly from young people with experience of care, with organisers aiming to create a safe space for honest discussion.
A number of practical pledges were made on the day, focused on widening access to training, skills and employment. These included offering work experience placements and creating pathways into paid jobs.
In 2025, the council hosted care-experienced interns as part of its ongoing support for young people leaving care.
Among those who shared their experiences was Thomas, who spoke about finding work through the Solid Ground Coffee trailer, led by the council-backed Youth Justice Service.
Thomas said:
“I’ve enjoyed cooking since I was 12, which I then did at college and now here. I like coming to work at Solid Ground Coffee because I get a very good wage and I pick up skills for the future.”
His account underlined the role of stability and opportunity in helping young people develop confidence and independence.
Facilities management firm Nanogreen was one of the businesses to commit its support.
Founder and Director Neil Duff said: “We wanted to give something back to Swindon and the community by employing someone who needed it. We don’t ask people what their pasts are, but want to know what people can do. We don’t do CVs, we do coffee.
“The benefit is unquantifiable for them and employers. Whether care experience, it’s irrelevant. It’s the benefit and opportunity for them and for us.
They can work hard to get back on their feet. No one chooses these circumstances. They want stability but some employers are worried about the risk. But there isn’t one.
“We give the work experience for them to get that work and earn an income. The benefit is the opportunity.”
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said:
“Hearing directly from our care-experienced young people today was incredibly powerful. Their honesty, resilience and ambition should inspire all of us.
“The pledges made by local employers and partners show what is possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose. We all want to ensure every young person has the opportunities they need to build confidence and step into their future with pride.
“As a Council we are committed to giving these young people every opportunity to thrive, and I’m glad that so many of our partners have pledged to do the same.”
The event forms part of wider work in Swindon to improve outcomes for young people leaving care, with businesses and organisations signalling their intention to turn promises into action.
