Care Leavers

Have you already left care or are you about to? This page has support for you.

 

 

Money SupportMoney Supporthttps://www.leeds.gov.uk/youthinformationHub/care-leavers/entitlements
Passport to Independent LivingPassport to Independent Livinghttps://www.leeds.gov.uk/youthinformationHub/care-leavers/passport
jobsjobshttps://www.leeds.gov.uk/youthinformationHub/care-leavers/jobs

 

 

East Team Contact DetailsEast Team Contact Details<div class="ExternalClass58FC5C7626174DB497DCD14F1307947D"><strong>Ca​ll ​East Teams on</strong> - 01133783364<br> <br>We're here: Mon to Thurs 8:30am to 5pm; Fri 8:30<span id="ms-rterangecursor-start" style="display:none;"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end" style="display:none;"></span>am to 4:30pm <br>If you can't get ahold of your PA, call the number above and the Duty worker will be able to help you. <br><br>If you have an emergency outside of office hours, call the Emergency Duty number.​​​​</div>
Emergency Duty TeamEmergency Duty Team<div class="ExternalClass2E663A44F5AD41E2B814B5E0C23EFD05"><strong>Call Emergency Duty Team</strong> - 01132409536 <br>We're here Mon-Thu​rs: 5pm - 8:30am; Fri-Sun: 4:30pm - 8:30<span id="ms-rterangecursor-start" style="display:none;"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end" style="display:none;"></span>am ​​</div>
Leave a Compliment/Complainthttps://www.leeds.gov.uk/youthinformationHub/Documents/Our%20Promises%20to%20Children%20in%20Care_young%20people.pdf, Click here to download the Promise leafletLeave a Compliment/Complaint<div class="ExternalClassFB951D2A94AB4362BED8F5C03A07BB00">Let us know how we're doing by contacting us to leave a compliment or complaint. <div><br></div> <div>Phone: 0113 395 0310 </div> <div>Email: tellsteve@leeds.gov.uk</div> <div><br></div> ​</div>
Get your case recordGet your case record<div class="ExternalClass818EF66F0C6C462283BC929C12D0AE68">You can request a copy of the information held in your case record. This is called making a Subject Access Request. <br><br>The best thing to do is to talk with your PA about this. They can then request it on your behalf. ​​​​</div>

 

 

What will happen when I turn 18?What will happen when I turn 18?<div class="ExternalClassE56222FCE75C47E18519BE5544313B3C">When you turn 18 you are legally classed as an adult and will be independent.This doesn’t mean you will go unsupported. <br><br>In most cases, a young person leaving care is referred to as a Care leaver and you are no longer looked after. <br><br>As an adult, you will receive on-going support from a personal advisor until you are 21. Your personal advisor will meet with you regularly to work on your Pathway Plan. As a young adult, you can expect the right support to help you achieve your goals, for example, apprenticeships, volunteering opportunities, ready to work programmes, and more. ​​​​​​​</div>
What can I expect from my personal advisor (PA)?What can I expect from my personal advisor (PA)?<div class="ExternalClass713B01AF81654EBEB15E730CCAC86154">Your PA is not a social worker. Your PA will meet up with you regularly to support you. Because your PA is not a social worker, you don’t have to talk about anything that you don’t want to discuss.​ Their role is to support you in your transition to adulthood. They will work with you to help you achieve your goals. <br> <br><strong>-Your PA will meet up with you at least every 8 weeks</strong>, but this is likely to be more frequent. <br><strong>-The PA is there to help YOU</strong> make informed choices about your future. They can offer advice about the best routes to achieve your goals and will be a reliable adult for you to get support from. <br><strong>-Pathway Plan.</strong> They will also work with you to do a pathway plan. This is a live document which you and your PA can update as life changes. It helps both you and your PA consider the type of support that you most need and will help you measure your progress. <br><br><strong>Out of contact?</strong><br>If you have not been in touch with your PA but want help getting back into education before you turn 21, you can get in touch before your 21st birthd<span id="ms-rterangecursor-start" style="display:none;"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end" style="display:none;"></span>ay and get support again up to the age of 25. </div>
I'm 21. What if I want to start education (or get back into education)?I'm 21. What if I want to start education (or get back into education)?<div class="ExternalClassDFBACEDC56484843AE04EDD2C1676194">If you get back into education, or start for the first time, before your 21st birthday, you can get in touch with the Leaving Care team and get support from a PA, including financial support.<br> <br> ​​​​​<span id="ms-rterangecursor-start" style="display:none;"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end" style="display:none;"></span></div>
What is a Pathway plan and how does it help me?What is a Pathway plan and how does it help me?<div class="ExternalClass9197B55B245145AE83EAA8F6E3FF699E">Your social worker and personal advisor will begin your Pathway Plan with you when you're 15 and 3/4.  <br><br>The Pathway Plan helps you plan to achieve everything you'd like to with your life. And it lets your PA know where you'd like to be so they can support you as much as possible. <br><br><strong>It should cover: </strong><br>your opinions and wishes<br>education, training and development <br>health<br>contact with family <br>financial management (including guided spending)<br>making informed choices<br>personal development<br><br>Your PA needs to meet with you every 6 months to review and update the plan to make sure it's as up to date as possible. We know you might change your mind about where you'd like to be and what you'd like to do - and this might happen between meetings. If you've changed your mind, give us a call so we <span id="ms-rterangecursor-start" style="display:none;"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end" style="display:none;"></span>can talk about the changes and how we can support you. <br><br><strong>Things that might be on your Pathway Plan: </strong><br>If you want to get ready to live independently, you and your PA might do some work together on how to budget to make your money last, what kinds of bills you'll have to pay, and start applications for council housing or a flat.  <br><br> If your goal is to go to university, then your PA can help you look at your next steps to help get you there so you can achieve, for example, entry criteria qualifications you might need to get and what financial support you can access once you're there. ​</div>
What if I'm not getting the support I need?What if I'm not getting the support I need?<div class="ExternalClass3E48C4D8F6774FE28651131C814C78FC">If you think you're not getting the support you need, please get in touch with your PA first to let them know what you want and see if they can help.<br><span id="ms-rterangecursor-start" style="display:none;"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end" style="display:none;"></span>  <br> If this doesn't work, you can ​get in touch with xxx to register a complaint.​ ​​</div>
Where else can I get support? Who do I need to be in touch with?Where else can I get support? Who do I need to be in touch with?<div class="ExternalClass561C069C27A345918F790344EA683086">As you leave care, you are now an adult and will need to learn to work with services on your own - for example, the NHS, Housing, Benefits office and other places like college or your work.<br><br> While you get support from your PA, they can help you with these things. This is a great chance for you to begin to do it on your own - let your PA hang back and see if you can sort it for yourself.  <br><span id="ms-rterangecursor-start" style="display:none;"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end" style="display:none;"></span><br> Click on the link below to see other services who may be able ot help with different issues for you following leaving care. These are the same resources listed on your leaving care closure letter. ​​</div>
I'm 21. What if I want to start education (or get back into education)?I'm 21. What if I want to start education (or get back into education)?
Where else can I get support? Who do I need to be in touch with?Where else can I get support? Who do I need to be in touch with?
What if I'm not getting the support I need?What if I'm not getting the support I need?
What will happen when I turn 18?What will happen when I turn 18?
What can I expect from my personal advisor (PA)?What can I expect from my personal advisor (PA)?
What is a Pathway plan and how does it help me?What is a Pathway plan and how does it help me?

 

 

Emergency Numbershttp://www.police.uk/contact/101/, Click here for more information about when to call 101http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/Emergencyandurgentcareservices/Pages/NHS-111.aspx, Click here for more information about when to call 111 (NHS)http://content.met.police.uk/Article/Emergency-Calls--When-to-call-999/1400011683328/1400011683328, Click here for more information about when to call 999Emergency Numbers<div class="ExternalClassA4CB29F566854FB6BAEAEB64C2F01674"><strong>Call 101</strong> <br>This number is for non-emergencies that still require assistance from police, ambulance, fire. <br><strong>Call 111 </strong><br>This number is for non-emergencies that require medical attention quickly - when you think you might need to go to A&E. (See + button for Medical Care to find other places to get help.)​ <br><strong>Call 999 </strong><br>This number should only be used in an emergency. An emergency is when someone is at risk of getting injured, being threatened or a crime or is being committed and is in progress. The police should only be called on 999 when: There is a danger to life or a risk of injury being caused imminently. This number will take you straight to A&E and is for these injuries: <br> -loss of consciousness <br>-acute confused state and fits that are not stopping <br>-persistent severe chest pain <br>-breathing difficulties or  <div>-severe bleeding that cannot be stopped​ <br> <strong><br><span id="ms-rterangecursor-start" style="display:none;"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end" style="display:none;"></span>All of these numbers are free to call. You don't need to have credit on your phone.Even if your phone doesn't have a SIM or is locked, you will be able to call an emergency service.</strong>​</div></div>
Medical Help when you're injured (not emergencies)http://http//www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/UrgentCare/UrgentCareFinder?Location.Id=12472&Location.Name=Leeds%2C%20West%20Yorkshire%2C%20LS1&Location.County=West%20Yorkshire&Location.Postcode=LS1%203&Location.Latitude=53.801&Location.Longitude=-1.549&IsAandE=, Find an NHS Walk-in Centre near youhttp://http//www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/UrgentCare/UrgentCareFinder?Location.Id=12472&Location.Name=Leeds%2C%20West%20Yorkshire%2C%20LS1&Location.County=West%20Yorkshire&Location.Postcode=LS1%203&Location.Latitude=53.801&Location.Longitude=-1.549&IsAandE=, Find an Urgent Care/Minor Injurites Unit near youMedical Help when you're injured (not emergencies)<div class="ExternalClassAB092B95C94043A8B8F6DE84D8B192B4"><strong>NHS Walk-in Centres can treat the following: </strong><br>infections and rashes, blood pressure checks, fractures and lacerations, emergency contraception and advice, stomach aches, vomiting and diarrhoea, hay fever, insect and animal bites, stitches (sutures), dressing and care of minor cuts and bruises, minor burns and strains, stop smoking support.  <br><strong><span id="ms-rterangecursor-start" style="display:none;"></span>Minor injuries units and urgent care centres can treat:<span id="ms-rterangecursor-end" style="display:none;"></span></strong> <br>sprains and strains, broken bones, wound infections, minor burns and scalds, minor head injuries, insect and animal bites, minor eye injuries, injuries to the back, shoulder and chest​.  <br>See links below to find one near you...</div>
Emergency Gas numberEmergency Gas number<div class="ExternalClass220653AB417749199CE9DFCB3A9DAF32"><span id="ms-rterangecursor-start" style="display:none;"></span><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><div><strong>If you can smell gas in your home<span id="ms-rterangecursor-end" style="display:none;"></span></strong> call this number immediately.​</div> <div>0800111999</div> <div><span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span></div></div>
Housing Emergency Out of HoursHousing Emergency Out of Hours<div class="ExternalClassC3D3DAE16C5944EB8580AD40CE957810"><span id="ms-rterangecursor-start" style="display:none;"></span><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><div><font color="#333333"><strong>If you are homeless in an emergency and it is outside of our opening hours<span id="ms-rterangecursor-end" style="display:none;"></span></strong> – we operate an emergency service which you can access by telephoning:</font></div> <div><font color="#333333">07891273939</font></div> <div><span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span></div></div>
Leeds City Council Housing RepairsLeeds City Council Housing Repairs<div class="ExternalClassEF53DB0B6FB340B0A7B53695C5958130"><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><div><strong>If you have a tenancy with Leeds City Council</strong>, you can use this number to report any damages/repairs to your property and arrange for the problem to be solved.​​<span id="ms-rterangecursor-start" style="display:none;"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end" style="display:none;"></span></div> <div>01133760410 </div> <div><span style="font-family:verdana, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;background-color:window;">​</span><br></div></div>
Free Legal Info about Carehttp://www.thewhocarestrust.org.uk/pages/free-legal-info-about-care.html, Who Cares? Trust: Free Legal Info about CareFree Legal Info about Care<div class="ExternalClass30BA5348ED434B619F7241823B1F1C93">Get answers about topics like sibling contact or going back to live with your parents.​<span id="ms-rterangecursor-start" style="display:none;"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end" style="display:none;"></span></div>

 

 

Jobs in Leeds on Leeds Pathways sitehttps://www.leeds.gov.uk/leedspathways/Pages/Featured-jobs.aspx, Jobs in Leeds on Leeds Pathways siteexternal
Available now: Short, Flexible Start Courses in Leedshttps://www.leeds.gov.uk/leedspathways/Pages/Flexible-Short-courses-in-Leeds.aspx, Available now: Short, Flexible Start Courses in Leedsexternal

 

 

Care Leavers' Foundation: Support for Care Leavershttp://www.thecareleaversfoundation.org/, Care Leavers' Foundation: Support for Care Leaversexternal
Network for Care Leavershttps://www.facebook.com/cludup/?fref=nf, Facebook Pageexternal

 

 

Our Promise to youhttps://www.leeds.gov.uk/youthinformationHub/Documents/Our%20Promises%20to%20Children%20in%20Care_adult%20version.pdf, Our Promise to youexternal
Care Leaver's Charterhttps://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/264694/Care_leavers__charter.pdf, Care Leaver's Charterexternal

 

 

Care Leavers Councilhttp://www.breezeleeds.org/HAVEYOURSAY/Pages/Voice-and-Influence-for-Children-Looked-After.aspx, Care Leavers Councilexternal
Young People's Zone: Coram Voicehttp://www.coramvoice.org.uk/young-peoples-zone, Young People's Zone: Coram Voiceexternal

 

 

Your journey: What happens and whenhttps://www.gov.uk/leaving-foster-or-local-authority-care, Your journey: What happens and whenexternal
What happens when you leave care? from the Who Care's Trusthttp://www.thewhocarestrust.org.uk/pages/leaving-care-what-happens.html, What happens when you leave care? from the Who Care's Trustexternal

 

 

Every Thursday G.R.O.UP (Get Right On UP) meets in the City Centre. Everyone's welcome! (Opens as PDF: 100KB)https://www.leeds.gov.uk/youthinformationHub/Documents/Thursday%20group%20info%2025%20July%202017.pdf, Every Thursday G.R.O.UP (Get Right On UP) meets in the City Centre. Everyone's welcome! (Opens as PDF: 100KB)pdf