Biannual Care Leaver’s App User Group Recap

In May 2025, we hosted our biannual Care Leaver’s App (CLA) User Group, bringing together CLA admin users from across the country to share insights, celebrate recent successes, and explore exciting new developments within the CLA. The event provided a valuable opportunity for collaboration and knowledge sharing, with a particular focus on maximising engagement and embracing new technology. 

Highlights from the Past Six Months 

The last six months have seen significant progress across multiple areas: 

• New Local App Launches: Several councils launched their Care Leavers Apps, including Camden’s Pocket PA, South Gloucestershire’s Bridges, Croydon’s Croydon Cares, and South Ayrshire’s CE4U. These apps are co-produced in partnership with care experienced young people and professionals, ensuring that the content and features reflect their needs and priorities. 
• Push Notification Enhancements: Improvements to the push notification system have resulted in click-through rates above industry averages, helping to increase engagement with timely and relevant messaging. 
• Growing Use of the Digital Community Platform (DCP): More councils and care leavers are actively engaging with the community features within the app, strengthening connections and peer support.  
• Positive Feedback from Young People: Care leavers continue to share encouraging feedback about how the app supports them. One Care Experienced young person from GMCA, who is now an apprentice and actively helps with the Bee Connected app, shared their experience: 

“The Bee Connected App is great — it’s full of information and activities happening across Greater Manchester. When I first got the app, there wasn’t a lot going on and it felt quite plain, so I wasn’t really drawn to use it. But now, with regular content updates, it’s a fantastic way for care leavers to find the information or events they want to attend. 

The recent updates not only help care leavers find what they need but also make it easier and faster for admins to produce engaging content. I personally love the budget planner — it’s straightforward to use and breaks everything down so it’s not overwhelming. I use it every month to track my spending and it’s helping me save more money. 

Plus, the emojis on push notifications are a great way to connect with young people and make the app more user-friendly.” 

Sharing How You Use the CLA Platform 

During the user group, participants exchanged experiences about how they have been using the platform. Sharing successful features, campaigns, and ideas helps inspire others to adopt best practices and tailor their approach to their local communities. 

Best Practices for Engagement 

Michael Reddy, our in-house Project Manager shared a few key strategies to maximise engagement on the apps, including: 

• Keeping Content Light and Engaging: Ensuring it is easy-to-digest information maintains young people’s interest. 
• Refresh the App Regularly: Frequent updates and new content encourages repeat use. 
• Strategic Push Notifications: Timely, targeted messages help prompt users to engage. 
• Community Section Features: Tools like posting, surveys, and messaging promote connection, learning, and support among care leavers and professionals working with care leavers. 

Introducing AI: Potential and Practical Uses 

A highlight of the meeting was the AI 101 session, led by Neil Smith – technical director at focusgov, which provided an introduction to artificial intelligence and large language models. This segment explored: 

• What AI is and how it works 
• How AI can be applied within local authorities to support care leavers 
• Practical benefits, including the upcoming Digital Personal Assistant (Digital PA) integrated within the CLA app 

Live Demo and Open Discussion on AI 

Participants were given a live demonstration of the Digital PA, designed to link young people with relevant information such as events, helpful organisations, and offers. 

The discussion also addressed important considerations around AI adoption, including data privacy, trust, and implementation challenges. Several councils plan to run internal AI pilots over the coming months, with results informing a potential wider rollout by the end of 2025. 

Looking Forward 

The CLA is ever evolving in partnership with its users, responding to feedback and technological advancements. We look forward to continuing this journey, supporting care leavers and local authorities alike with innovative, user-centred tools.