Young adults leaving the care system (also known as Care Leavers) are incredibly vulnerable and continue to make up approximately half of the people accessing homelessness services in England.
In fact, homelessness statistics (Homeless Link) suggest that 22% of young people accessing homelessness services have had experience of the care system.
Many young people leaving care have had a tough start in life and lack the stability, skills and support to live independently. This sudden freedom often results in a cycle of debt, bad lifestyle choices and ultimately homelessness.
Thanks to the Lloyds Foundation, we can now offer care leavers as young as 17 somewhere to stay, helping them to bridge the gap from foster care or care homes to independent living.
Our support services include:
- Accommodation for up to 2 years
- Benefits help and advice
- Help with applying for college courses
- Support with health care appointments
- Life skills and self-care support e.g. help with opening a bank account, registering at doctors, dentists & opticians
- Employment options and support with registering at job centres
- CV support
- Information on apprenticeships e.g. The Prince’s Trust and Higher Education Opportunities
- Independent living skills & safety
- Money management and budgeting for bills and household costs
- Signposting
- Opportunity to take part in wellbeing projects such as our Fruit-full Communities Gardening Project
- Social events and outings
If you are aged 17 or above and leaving care and would like somewhere to stay that also offers support, please get in touch.
If you are a foster carer and you have young people about to leave home or you know of a vulnerable young person needing somewhere to stay, please get in touch to see how we can help.