Co-production with care-experienced people

How We Developed This Local Offer

We have listened to care-experienced young people and the people who support them to make sure this Local Offer reflects what matters most.

We gathered views in a number of ways, including:

Through our Care Leavers Council, where young people regularly share their ideas, experiences and suggestions for improving services.
At engagement events and participation activities, where care-experienced young people told us what support works well and what could be improved.
Through surveys and questionnaires, which gave young people the opportunity to provide feedback and make suggestions.
During one-to-one conversations with Personal Advisers, Social Workers and other trusted professionals.
Through feedback received from young people attending reviews, pathway planning meetings and other service discussions.
By listening to care experienced young people who have contacted the service with compliments, complaints, concerns or suggestions.
Through discussions with organisations and partners who support care-experienced young people, including education providers, housing services, health services, voluntary organisations and advocacy services.

The feedback we receive helps us to improve our services and make sure the Local Offer is relevant, up to date and reflects the needs, wishes and aspirations of care-experienced young people in Stoke-on-Trent.

As a result of your feedback, we have:

Introduced free travel passes to help care leavers access education, employment, training, health appointments and social opportunities.
Extended our Council Tax support for care-experienced young people, including those living outside of Stoke-on-Trent and those living with a partner, helping to reduce financial pressures and support independence.
Invested in internet connectivity support, ensuring that care-experienced young people can access online services, education, employment opportunities and stay connected with friends, family and support networks.

This is your Local Offer. We are committed to continuing to listen to care-experienced young people and working together to improve the support available. We will review and update the Local Offer every year to make sure it continues to reflect your views, needs and aspirations.

Support for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Young People and Young People with Immigration Needs

If you arrived in the UK without your parents or family, or if you have immigration matters that are still being worked through, we understand that life can sometimes feel confusing, stressful or uncertain.

You do not have to manage this on your own. We are committed to helping you feel safe, supported and included as you move towards adulthood and independence.

Your Personal Adviser (PA), Social Worker and other professionals will work alongside you to help you understand your rights, access support and plan positively for your future

Understanding Your Immigration Status

Your immigration status can affect the support, housing, benefits, education and employment opportunities available to you.

We know that immigration law can be complicated, so we will help you understand:

Your immigration status.
Decisions made by the Home Office.
Your rights and entitlements.
What support you may be able to access.
Any applications, renewals or appeals that may be needed.

Your PA will help you understand your options and make sure you know where to get specialist advice when needed.

Immigration and Legal Advice

We can help you access specialist immigration solicitors and legal advisers who can provide advice about:

Asylum claims.
Immigration applications.
Appeals.
Refugee status.
Settlement in the UK.
Your legal rights and entitlements.

If you have important legal or immigration appointments, we can help you prepare and make sure you understand what is happening.

Independent Support and Advocacy

If you would like someone independent to support you, we can help you access an advocate.

An advocate can help you:

Understand your rights.
Share your wishes and feelings.
Attend meetings with you.
Ask questions on your behalf.
Make sure your voice is heard.

We want you to feel confident expressing your views and taking part in decisions that affect your life.

Help With Appointments

You do not have to attend important appointments on your own.

Your PA can support you to:

Attend appointments with solicitors and immigration advisers.
Meet with education, housing and health services.
Understand information being shared with you.
Ask questions and make informed decisions.
Access the support you need.

We will work alongside you every step of the way.

Interpreter and Language Support

We understand that English may not be your first language.

If needed, we will arrange an interpreter for:

Meetings with your PA.
Reviews and Pathway Plan meetings.
Immigration appointments.
Legal meetings.
Health appointments.
Housing appointments.
Important discussions and decisions.

This helps make sure you fully understand the information being shared with you and can confidently express your views, wishes and feelings.

Learning English (ESOL)

Learning English can help you feel more confident and independent.

We can help you access ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses and other English language support.

Communicate with professionals and services.
Make friends and build relationships.
Access education and training.
Prepare for employment.
Feel more confident in everyday life.

Your PA can help you find courses, complete application forms, contact colleges and attend enrolment appointments.

Education, Training and Employment

We want you to have the same opportunities as other young people to achieve your goals and build the future you want.

Where your immigration status allows, we can help you access:

College courses.
University.
Apprenticeships.
Training programmes.
Employment opportunities.
Careers advice and guidance.

Support With Applications

Your PA can help you:

Explore your options.
Complete application forms.
Contact colleges and training providers.
Prepare for interviews.
Understand financial support available to learners.

If you are still in education up to Year 13, the Virtual School can also support you with planning your next steps and education applications.

Getting Ready for Work

If you would like to find a job, we can help you:

Create a CV.
Search for vacancies.
Complete job applications.
Prepare for interviews.
Access careers advice and employment support.

We can also introduce you to organisations that can help with interview preparation, confidence-building and employment skills.

Understanding Your Right to Work

Your immigration status may affect whether you can work in the UK.

We can help you understand:

Whether you have the right to work.
Any restrictions that may apply.
What documents you need.
Where to access specialist advice.

Health and Wellbeing

Moving to a new country and starting a new chapter of your life can sometimes be challenging.

We can help you access the support you need to stay healthy, build confidence and feel settled.

Registering With a GP

We can help you:

Find a local GP.
Register with a doctor.
Understand how to book appointments.
Access healthcare services.
Attend appointments if you would like support.

Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health

If you are feeling worried, anxious, lonely or struggling with your mental health, we can help you access:

Counselling services.
Mental health support.
Emotional wellbeing services.
Specialist services for trauma and loss.
Health professionals who can support your recovery and wellbeing.

You do not have to cope with difficult feelings alone.

Settling Into Life in the UK

We can support you to understand how services work in the UK and help you feel connected to your community.

This may include support with:

Registering with services.
Using public transport.
Learning English.
Accessing education and training.
Understanding your rights and responsibilities.
Joining local groups and activities.

Our aim is to help you feel confident and settled in your local area.

Building Confidence and Independence

We will help you develop the skills needed for adult life.

This could include support with:

Attending appointments.
Speaking with professionals.
Managing money.
Accessing education or employment.
Living independently.
Building positive friendships and support networks.

We will work at a pace that is right for you and support you to achieve your goals.

Your Culture, Identity and Faith

We recognise that your culture, religion, language and identity are important parts of who you are.

We will support you to:

Maintain your cultural identity.
Celebrate your heritage.
Access faith groups and places of worship.
Attend cultural events.
Stay connected to your community where possible.
Access culturally appropriate services and support.

We want you to feel proud of who you are and where you come from.

Making Friends and Building Connections

Moving to a new country can sometimes feel lonely, especially when you are separated from family and friends.

We can help you:

Meet new people.
Build friendships.
Access mentoring opportunities.
Join community groups.
Take part in sports and activities.
Access faith and cultural organisations.
Attend participation and engagement events.

Building positive relationships can help you feel more connected and supported.

Accommodation and Financial Support

Having somewhere safe to live and enough money to meet your everyday needs is important.

If You Have Access to Public Funds

If you are granted Refugee Status, Humanitarian Protection or another immigration status that allows access to public funds, we can help you:

Apply for Universal Credit and other benefits.
Access housing support.
Open a bank account.
Find suitable accommodation.
Manage your finances.
Set up your first home.
Access the support available through this Local Offer.

If You Have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)

Some young people have a condition called No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF).

This means you may not be able to access benefits such as:

Universal Credit.
Housing Benefit.
Other welfare benefits.

If this applies to you, we will help you understand what it means and what support is still available.

Where the Council has a legal duty to support you, we will assess your circumstances and make sure you receive the support you are entitled to.

This may include:

Suitable accommodation.
Financial support to meet your basic living needs.
Support to access education and training.
Help attending immigration and legal appointments.

Your PA will explain your rights and make sure you receive advice about your options

If You Are Granted Refugee Status or Leave to Remain

Receiving a positive immigration decision can be an exciting but sometimes overwhelming time.

When this happens, we will support you to:

Understand your new rights and entitlements.
Apply for benefits where eligible.
Access housing support.
Open a bank account.
Access education, training and employment.
Manage your money.
Set up and maintain your home.

Your PA will work alongside you throughout this transition and help you build a positive future.

We Are Here to Help

Whatever your immigration status, you do not have to face these challenges alone.

We will work with you to make sure you:

Understand your rights.
Access specialist advice and support.
Feel safe and supported.
Build confidence and independence.
Develop positive relationships and support networks.
Access education, training and employment opportunities.
Achieve your goals and aspirations.

Our aim is to help you feel included, valued and supported as you build your life and future in the UK.

Organisations That Can Help

Refugee Council

The Refugee Council provides advice and support for refugees and people seeking asylum, including support with education, wellbeing and life in the UK.

Website: Refugee Council

British Red Cross Refugee Support

The British Red Cross provides support for refugees and people seeking asylum, including practical help, advice and information.

Website: https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/get-help-as-a-refugee

Migrant Help

Migrant Help provides independent advice and support for people seeking asylum in the UK.

Website: https://www.migranthelpuk.org/

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice can provide information and advice on immigration, housing, benefits, employment and everyday issues.

Website: Citizens Advice

Important Documents

As a care experienced young person, it is important that you have access to key identity documents as you move into adulthood. These documents will help you access services, open bank accounts, apply for accommodation, start employment, enrol in education and training, claim benefits, register with a GP and prove your identity when needed.

Before you leave care, we will ensure that you have a copy of your birth certificate. If one is not available, we will support you to obtain a replacement.

We will also work with you to apply for either a provisional driving licence or a passport. Your Personal Adviser (PA) or social worker will help you complete the application, gather the necessary documents and fund the cost of obtaining your first form of photographic identification.

Having photographic identification is important because it may be needed to:

Open a bank account.
Apply for benefits.
Start work.
Access education and training opportunities.
Sign a tenancy agreement.
Prove your age and identity.
Travel.
Access other services and support.

We encourage you to keep all important documents safe and secure, as replacing them can take time and may affect your ability to access services.

However, we understand that documents can sometimes be lost, stolen or damaged. If this happens, speak to your Personal Adviser. In exceptional circumstances, we will replace important identity documents, such as a passport or provisional driving licence, where appropriate.

Your Personal Adviser will talk to you about the documents you have, help you store them safely and ensure you understand why these documents are important as you move towards independence.

Voting and Having Your Say

Voting is your chance to have a say about the people who make decisions about your local area and the country.

Your views, opinions and experiences matter. Voting is one of the ways you can have your say about the things that affect your life, including housing, education, health, transport and employment. As a care-experienced young person, we want to make sure you feel confident about having your voice heard, both in your local community and across the country.

You can usually vote if:

You are 18 or over on the day of the election.
You are a British citizen, or a qualifying Commonwealth citizen living in the UK.
You are registered to vote.
You are not legally prevented from voting, for example in custody.

Registering to Vote

Before you can vote, you must be registered. Registering is free and only takes a few minutes online.

If you are 16 or 17, you can register in advance so that you are ready to vote when you turn 18.

Support From Your Personal Adviser

Register to vote.
Check whether you are eligible to vote.
Apply for photo ID if you do not have any.
Understand how voting works.
Find out where your local polling station is.
Build your confidence if it is your first time voting.

Voting is your choice, and nobody can tell you who to vote for. What matters is that you have the information and support you need to make your own decision.

You can register online at:

Voting at a Polling Station

If you choose to vote in person, you will attend a polling station on election day.

The UK Government provides step-by-step guidance explaining:

What happens when you arrive at the polling station.
How you receive your ballot paper.
How to complete your ballot paper.
What support is available if you need help.
What identification you need to bring.
How to Vote: https://www.gov.uk/how-to-vote

Do I Need Photo ID

If you vote in person at a polling station, you will normally need to show an accepted form of photo ID, such as:

A passport (UK, Commonwealth or some other eligible countries).
A full or provisional driving licence.
A PASS card (Proof of Age Standards Scheme card).
A Blue Badge.
A Voter Authority Certificate (free voter ID).
Certain travel passes, such as an Older Person's Bus Pass or Disabled Person's Bus Pass.
A biometric residence permit or other approved immigration document.
An HM Armed Forces Veteran Card or Defence Identity Card.
Other approved government-issued photo identification.

If you do not have suitable photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate

Photo ID Information: https://www.gov.uk/how-to-vote/photo-id-youll-need
Apply for Free Voter ID:https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

If you need help applying for photo ID, your PA can support you.

Other Ways to Vote

If you are unable to attend a polling station on election day, you may be able to:

Vote by post.
Arrange for someone you trust to vote on your behalf through a proxy vote.

Your PA can help you understand these options and where to get further information

Find Out More About Voting

If you would like to learn more about elections, candidates and the issues that matter to you, the following websites provide clear and impartial information:

Electoral Commission: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections
UK Parliament: https://www.parliament.uk
BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news

Voting is an important part of adulthood, and we want every care-experienced young person to have the opportunity to influence decisions that affect their future. Your voice matters