As a care leaver in Manchester there are things we will support you with to help you get on in life and succeed, including:
- Making sure you have someone there to support when you need them.
- Support to have happy and healthy relationships with those important to you.
- Support with understanding, managing and assisting with finances.
- Making sure we support you to have a safe place to live, access housing that meets your need and sustain your own home.
- Support with information, guidance and access to education & training opportunities as well as employment.
Depending upon your journey through care and current circumstances there may be different rights and entitlements.
All care experienced young people have a right to an assessment to consider their needs or a change in circumstances.
For most young people Personal Advisers have a duty to keep in touch regularly until the age of 21 years and this is something that you can ask to continue after this age also.
We will consider the support needs of all Manchester care leavers in the city when offering support and assistance to achieve and succeed involving all relevant services and professionals.
What you're entitled to ask for
Health and wellbeing
- Recognition of your care experience in your adult health records so this can be supported in appointments or when you are accessing support.
- Access to Manchester MIND counselling via the Community Hub.
- Access to 42nd Street emotional health and wellbeing support via the Community Hub.
- Access to all health records and a final health plan when your turn 18 years.
- Support to access to leisure activities and local clubs.
- Dedicated support for young adults 18+ to keep healthy and active as part of the Community Hub.
Housing
- Access to funds to support setting up your first home.
- Priority when bidding for your first home.
- Priority with Manchester Housing Options - supported.
- Support to maintain your home and learn about your local community.
Education
- Guidance and support for those wanting to access post 16 education.
- Guidance and support for those planning or heading to university.
- Support towards the cost-of-living whilst studying at university.
- Practical and emotional support during breaks from term time.
- Dedicated support for young adults 18+ in education as part of the Community Hub.
Employment
- Guidance and support for those wanting to access employment.
- Guidance and support for those getting ready for the world of work including experience opportunities.
- Dedicated support for young adults 18+ in accessing or excelling in employment as part of the Community Hub.
Family and friends
- Support to understand your journey in life and answer questions you may have as a young adult.
- Support to explore relationships with those important to you to ensure they are strong and happy.
- As a parent, support you to access all the assistance and advice needed for you and your child.
- Dedicated support for young adults 18+ in improving or maintaining close relationships as part of the Community Hub.
Resettlement
- Keep in touch and support you while you are in custody and work on a plan for your release with others.
- If you have been in custody, we will work with others to support and advise you on a clear and positive plan for your release.
- Support and advise on gaining suitable accommodation upon release.
- Support and advise on accessing employment or education opportunities.
- Dedicated support for young adults 18+ in who are in or have been released from custody as part of the Community Hub.
This is a guide and based on your circumstances there may be lots more we can support you with dependent on your goals and aspirations. Get in touch with your Personal Adviser or the Community Hub if you would like further information.