The Next Steps Services

Your Leaving Care Team - The Next Steps Service

Leaving care is a big step, but you do not have to do it on your own.

Our leaving care service is called the Next Steps Service. We are here to support you as you move towards adulthood, independence and achieving your goals.

Our aim is to provide the advice, practical support and encouragement you need to help you build a positive future.

Meeting Your Personal Adviser

Before you leave care, you will be introduced to your Personal Adviser (PA) at the age 17.

Your PA will take time to get to know you, understand what is important to you and help you plan for your future.

Together, you will create and review your Pathway Plan, which sets out your goals and the support available to help you achieve them.

What Can My Personal Adviser Help With?

When you turn 18, your Personal Adviser becomes your main point of contact.

They can help you with:

Accommodation and housing.
Education, training and employment.
Managing money and accessing financial support.
Physical and emotional health and wellbeing.
Building independence skills.
Maintaining important relationships and support networks.
Accessing services and opportunities in your community.
Planning for your future and achieving your goals.

Support That Works Around You

Your Personal Adviser will stay in regular contact with you.

They can meet you:

At home.
In the community.
At college or university.
At work.
Somewhere else that suits you.

Support Until Age 21

We will continue to support you until you are 21 years old.

We encourage you to stay in touch with the Next Steps Service for as long as you find it helpful. Growing up does not stop at 21, and having someone to turn to for advice and support can make a real difference.

Support Until Age 25

As a care-experienced young person, you have the right to return to the Next Steps Service at any point up until your 25th birthday if you would like advice, support or guidance.

This support is available whether you are:

In education or training.
Working.
Living independently.
Serving a custodial sentence.

You do not have to be facing a crisis to ask for support.

Why Stay in Touch?

Even if things are going well, staying connected means support is there if your circumstances change or you need help in the future.

You might want support with:

Accommodation.
Employment.
Finances.
Relationships.
Health and wellbeing.
Future plans.

We want you to know that you do not have to manage everything on your own.

Your Personal Adviser (PA)

Someone in Your Corner

Your Personal Adviser is one of the most important people who will support you as you move into adulthood.

They are there to listen, understand what matters to you and help you work towards your goals.

Your PA is not just there to arrange services. They are there to support, encourage and guide you through the opportunities and challenges that adult life can bring.

Planning Your Future

Together, you and your PA will develop and review your Pathway Plan.

This plan sets out:

Your goals.
The support available to you.
The steps you will take towards independence.

Supporting You Along the Way

Your PA will:

Celebrate your achievements.
Help you overcome challenges.
Attend important meetings with you.
Speak up on your behalf when needed.
Help you access the right support at the right time.

Our aim is for you to have a PA who knows you, understands your story and is someone you can trust.

Can I Come Back to the Next Steps Service?

Yes, Absolutely

Even if you decide that you no longer need support from the Next Steps Service, you can get back in touch with us at any time before your 25th birthday.

Life does not always go to plan, and sometimes circumstances change. If you need advice, support or simply someone to talk things through with, we are here for you.

How We Can Help

When you get back in touch, a Personal Adviser will talk to you about the support you need.

This could include help with:

Accommodation.
Education, training and employment.
Money, benefits and budgeting.
Health and wellbeing.
Family relationships and support networks.
Independence skills.
Accessing services and local support.
Other challenges you may be facing.

You do not need to wait!

You do not need to wait until things become difficult before contacting us.

Whether you need practical advice, guidance about your future, or support with an unexpected problem, we are here to help.

Staying Connected After You Turn 21

If you decide to close to the Next Steps Service when you turn 21, that does not mean the support is gone forever.

Before your case is closed, we will provide you with a letter that clearly explains:

How to get back in touch with us.
Contact details for the Next Steps Service.
Your right to return to the service before you turn 25.

Staying Connected Through Our Newsletter

We also keep in touch through our Care-Experienced Newsletter.

Each newsletter includes a reminder that if you have previously left the Next Steps Service, you can contact us again at any time before your 25th birthday.

The newsletter is also a great way to:

Hear about opportunities, events and activities.
Learn about training, education and employment opportunities.
Find out about support available to care-experienced young people.
Share positive news and achievements.

Getting Help to Access Other Services

We know that reaching out to a new service or organisation can feel daunting, especially if it is your first time. You do not have to do it on your own.

We Can Help You Take the First Step

Your Personal Adviser can:

Sit with you while you make phone calls.
Help you complete forms and referrals.
Contact services with you.
Help you understand what support is available.
Answer any questions you may have.

We Can Come With You

If you are feeling nervous about attending an appointment or meeting, we can attend with you for support.

This could be for housing appointments, health services, training providers, colleges, benefit appointments or other support services.

Building Your Confidence

Our aim is to help you feel confident accessing services independently. We will support you for as long as you need us and work alongside you until you feel comfortable doing things on your own.

You do not have to figure everything out by yourself. We are here to support you every step of the way.

How to Contact Us

Next Steps Service

Telephone: 01782 233575

Address:

Next Steps Service
Civic Centre
Glebe Street
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 1HH

Opening Hours

Monday to Thursday: 8.30am to 5.00pm

Friday: 8.30am to 4.30pm

Keeping in Touch

Even if you have not been in contact with us for a while, you can get back in touch at any time before your 25th birthday.

You can contact our Duty Team on:

01782 233575

Follow Our Updates

We also share information, opportunities, events and updates through our:

Facebook page.
Instagram account.
Bi-monthly Care Leavers Newsletter.

These are great ways to stay connected, hear about opportunities and find out about the support available to care-experienced young people.

Remember

If you lose contact with us, move to a different area, or simply decide you would like some support again, please get in touch.

We will listen, talk through your options and help you access the support you need.

You can return to the Next Steps Service at any time up to your 25th birthday