Relationships Matter

Relationships two people stood with their arms around each other looking into the distance while stood in a field

Building Relationships, Networks and Community Connections

We know that having people who care about you can make a huge difference as you move into adulthood. While services and professionals may change over time, positive relationships can provide emotional support, encouragement, stability and a sense of belonging throughout your life.

Relationships are at the heart of our Local Offer. We want every care-experienced young person to have people they can turn to for advice, encouragement, practical help and emotional support, both now and in the future.

People Who Matter to You

As part of our Lifelong Links approach, we will work with you to identify the people who are important to you and help you build and maintain positive, lasting relationships wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

This could include family members, brothers and sisters, foster carers, former carers, residential staff, friends, teachers, employers, mentors, faith groups and other trusted adults.

Through your Pathway Plan, we will talk with you about the people who matter most, who you can turn to for support, and who you would like to stay connected with in the future. We will listen to what is important to you and help you strengthen those relationships.

This support might include:

  • Helping you reconnect with family members, brothers and sisters, former carers or other important people where it is safe to do so.
  • Supporting you to stay in touch through phone calls, messages, video calls or face-to-face visits.
  • Inviting important people to meetings if you would like them to be involved in planning your future.
  • Helping you maintain relationships when you move to a new area, start university, begin work or move into your own home.
  • Supporting you to build new positive relationships through community groups, volunteering, education, employment, faith groups, sports clubs and mentoring opportunities.
  • Helping you identify trusted adults who can continue to support and encourage you throughout adulthood.

We recognise that relationships can change over time and that sometimes people lose contact with individuals who are important to them. If there is someone you would like to reconnect with, we will work with you to explore this safely and help you understand what support is available.

How We Will Support You

As part of your Pathway Plan, we will talk with you about:

  • Who is important to you.
  • Who you trust and feel comfortable talking to.
  • Who you would contact if you needed help or support.
  • Who celebrates your achievements and successes.
  • Any relationships you would like help to strengthen, maintain or rebuild.
  • How we can support you to stay connected to your family, friends, community and support

Our aim

Our aim is for every care-experienced young person to have a network of people around them who provide encouragement, advice, friendship and practical support, so that you feel connected, valued and supported as you move into adulthood. You do not have to face life's challenges on your own, and we will help you identify the people who can remain alongside you for the long term.

As you move into adulthood, it is also important to build new relationships and connections.

We can help you:

  • Access mentoring opportunities and positive role models.
  • Meet new people through education, training and employment.
  • Take part in volunteering, sports clubs, gyms, youth groups and community activities.
  • Join local groups, projects and activities that match your interests.
  • Access advocacy and peer support opportunities.
  • Develop friendships and social networks that help you feel connected and less isolated.
  • Build confidence in meeting new people and creating healthy, positive relationships.

Peer Mentoring and Care-Experienced Young People Supporting Each Other

Many care-experienced young people tell us that talking to someone who understands their experiences can make a real difference.

We offer opportunities for care-experienced young people to become Peer Mentors, using their experiences to encourage, support and inspire other young people.

As a Peer Mentor, you will have opportunities to:

  • Support other care-experienced young people.
  • Co-facilitate the Children in Care Council, Care Leavers Council and participation activities.
  • Share your experiences to help improve services.
  • Support younger children in care and care-experienced young people who are preparing for independence.
  • Develop leadership, communication and confidence-building skills.
  • Gain valuable experience that can strengthen your CV, training or job applications.

Peer mentoring provides an opportunity to build friendships, grow your confidence, meet new people and develop a strong support network of other young people who understand your journey.

The House Project

If you are involved with the House Project, there may be opportunities for you to support group sessions and mentor other care-experienced young people as they prepare for independent living.

By sharing your experiences, you can help others learn about:

  • Managing a tenancy.
  • Living independently.
  • Building confidence.
  • Overcoming challenges.
  • Achieving personal goals.

This can help you develop lasting friendships, leadership skills and strong support networks while helping others succeed.

Youth Leadership and Community Connections

We also want care-experienced young people to feel connected to their communities and have opportunities to make a positive difference.

Opportunities such as the YMCA Youth Ambassadors Programme allow young people to:

  • Represent the views of young people across the city.
  • Influence decisions that affect their communities.
  • Meet other young people and develop new friendships.
  • Build confidence and leadership skills.
  • Develop relationships with professionals, community groups and local leaders.
  • Gain volunteering and work-related experience.
  • Become active members of their local community.

Taking part in activities like these can help you develop a stronger sense of belonging, expand your support network and create opportunities for the future. Website: YMCA North Staffordshire Youth Leadership

Building Friendships and Community Connections

Having positive relationships and feeling part of your community is important for your wellbeing, confidence and future. We can help you find opportunities to meet new people, build friendships and get involved in activities that interest you.

There are lots of groups, clubs and community organisations across Stoke-on-Trent that welcome care-experienced young people.

These may include:

  • Local youth and community groups
  • Sports clubs and fitness activities
  • Faith groups and places of worship
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Arts, music and creative groups
  • Social groups and community hubs
  • Support groups for care-experienced young people
  • Activities run by local charities and community organisations

Community Groups, Activities and Support

If you would like to meet new people, build friendships, volunteer, join a local group or become more involved in your community, the following organisations can help.

Stoke Community Directory

The Stoke Community Directory is a great place to find local clubs, groups, activities and support services across Stoke-on-Trent. Whether you want to meet new people, make friends, join a sports team, volunteer, connect with a faith group, get involved in your local community, or find support with your wellbeing, the directory can help you find opportunities that match your interests.

The directory includes information about:

  • Sports clubs and leisure activities
  • Faith groups and places of worship
  • Community groups and community hubs
  • Volunteering opportunities
  • Arts, music and creative activities
  • Health and wellbeing services
  • Family and support services
  • Local charities and organisations
  • Education, training and employment opportunities

You can search the directory yourself or ask your Personal Adviser (PA) to help you find activities and groups that are right for you. We know that building friendships and feeling part of your community is important, and we will support you to access opportunities that help you feel connected, valued and included.

Stoke Community Directory
Website: Stoke Community Directory

Staffordshire Connects

Staffordshire Connects is an online directory that helps you find local groups, clubs, activities, support services, volunteering opportunities and community organisations across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

 staffordshire.connects@staffordshire.gov.uk

 VAST (Voluntary Action Stoke-on-Trent)

VAST can help you find volunteering opportunities, community groups, local activities, wellbeing services and support available in your area. They also manage the Stoke Community Directory.

  • 01782 683030
  • enquiries@vast.org.uk
  • The Dudson Centre, Hope Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5DD
  • www.vast.org.uk

YMCA North Staffordshire (including Stoke Futures)

YMCA North Staffordshire provides a wide range of opportunities for young people, including mentoring, volunteering, training, education support, wellbeing activities and help with employment and future career planning through Stoke Futures.

YMCA North Staffordshire

YMCA North Staffordshire Home Page: Visit YMCA North Staffordshire

Stoke Futures / Training, Education and Employment Support (YES Programme): View Training & Education Opportunities

Contact YMCA North Staffordshire: Contact YMCA North Staffordshire

Symmetrical North Staffs

Symmetrical is a charity specifically for care-experienced young people. They offer mentoring, life-skills support, workshops, activities, opportunities to meet other care-experienced young people and practical help as you move towards independence.

07513 256337
info@symmetricalnstaffs.org

Community Lounges and Community Support

Across Stoke-on-Trent there are a number of Community Lounges where you can access advice, support and opportunities within your local area. These are welcoming spaces where you can get help with:

  • Budgeting and managing money.
  • Employment and training opportunities.
  • Volunteering.
  • Housing advice.
  • Accessing benefits.
  • Mental health and wellbeing.
  • Building social connections.
  • Accessing local activities and groups.

Your PA can help you find your nearest Community Lounge.

https://www.stoke.gov.uk/helpisathand

Community Workers and Locality Connectors

Stoke-on-Trent has Locality Connectors (sometimes called Community Connectors) who work within local communities to help people access support, activities and services. They can help you become more connected to your community and improve your wellbeing.

They can help you:

  • Find local groups and activities.
  • Access advice and support services.
  • Meet new people.
  • Develop confidence and independence.
  • Access volunteering and employment opportunities.
  • Get support before problems become bigger concerns.

Your PA can help you make contact with your local Community Connector through your nearest Community Lounge.

Our Care Experienced Football Team

We have our very own Care Experienced Football Team, and you are always welcome to come along and get involved, whether you have played football before or just want to give it a try.

The team is run by a couple of our Personal Advisers and is a great way to:

  • Meet other care-experienced young people
  • Make new friends
  • Keep active and improve your fitness
  • Build confidence and teamwork skills
  • Be part of your local community
  • Have fun in a friendly and supportive environment

The team trains every week at the YMCA North Staffordshire, and everyone is welcome. If you are interested in joining, don't worry if you have not played for a while or have never played before. The focus is on taking part, having fun and being part of the team.

Want to Find Out More

Please contact Pete Nicholson, Personal Adviser

  • 07771 943370
  • Floor 2, Civic Centre, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1HH

Your Personal Adviser (PA)

You do not have to do this on your own. If you would like to meet new people, make friends, volunteer, learn a new skill or join a local group, speak to your PA and they will help you find something that is right for you.

We want you to have the same opportunities as other young people to enjoy hobbies, make friends, learn new skills and take part in activities that are important to you.

Practical and Financial Support to Help You Get Involved

Continuing Activities You Already Enjoy

If you already attend a club, sports team, hobby or activity whilst you are in care, we will usually continue to provide financial support for up to 6 months after you leave care. This gives you time to settle into independent living without having to give up the things you enjoy.

Your Personal Adviser (PA) will work with you during this time to help you plan and budget for these costs so that, wherever possible, you can continue taking part in the future.

Trying Something New

If there is a new hobby, club, sports activity or course you would like to join, speak to your PA. We may be able to help with reasonable start-up costs, such as:

  • Joining or membership fees
  • Equipment needed to take part
  • Sports kits, uniforms or clothing
  • Materials needed for a course or activity

We will look at what support may be available to help you get started and remove barriers that might stop you taking part.

Help with Travel

We do not want transport costs to stop you getting involved. Through the Next Steps Service, we will make sure you receive a free travel pass to help you travel to work, college, training, appointments, clubs and social activities.

Support from Your PA

We know that joining a new group or activity can sometimes feel a bit daunting. Your PA can help you find opportunities that match your interests and goals, and if you would like support, they can help you take those first steps towards getting involved.

Our aim is to help you stay connected, build friendships, develop confidence and enjoy the same opportunities as other young people as you move into adulthood.

Our Promise

Our aim is that every care-experienced young person has a strong network of people around them who care, support and believe in them. While services are important, we know that positive relationships are often what make the biggest difference.

We want you to have people who celebrate your successes, support you through challenges, help you achieve your goals and remind you that you are not alone.

Our role is not just to provide services. It is to help you build the relationships, networks and community connections that will continue to support you throughout adulthood and help you thrive

Healthy, Safe and Nurturing Relationships

Learning about healthy relationships is an important part of becoming independent. Positive relationships can help you feel safe, supported, valued and connected to others.

Relationships come in many forms, including friendships, family relationships, romantic relationships, relationships with carers, mentors, employers and other trusted adults. Having people around you who care about you and support you can make a big difference to your wellbeing and future.

Your Personal Adviser can help you access information, advice and specialist support relating to:

  • Healthy relationships and personal boundaries.
  • Building confidence and self-esteem.
  • Online safety and healthy online relationships.
  • Domestic abuse and coercive control.
  • Exploitation, grooming and staying safe.
  • Emotional wellbeing and mental health.
  • Parenting relationships and family support.
  • Building positive friendships and support networks.

YMCA North Staffordshire

  • YMCA provides opportunities to build confidence, develop friendships, access mentoring, volunteering and community activities, helping young people develop positive support networks and a sense of belonging.
  • https://ymcans.org.uk

Symmetrical North Staffs

  • Symmetrical provides mentoring, life-skills support and opportunities to connect with trusted adults and other care-experienced young people. They can help you build confidence, friendships and support networks.
  • 07531 256337
  • www.symmetricalnstaffs.org

National Support and Advice

  • Brook
  • Brook provides information and support on relationships, consent, sexual health, healthy boundaries and staying safe in relationships.
  • https://www.brook.org.uk

The Mix

  • The Mix supports young people under 25 with relationships, mental health, housing, money and wellbeing.
  • 0808 808 4994
  • https://www.themix.org.uk

Childline

  • Childline provides confidential support if you are worried about relationships, family issues, abuse or your safety.
  • 0800 1111
  • https://www.childline.org.uk

NSPCC

  • The NSPCC provides information about healthy relationships, recognising abuse, staying safe online and where to get help.
  • https://www.nspcc.org.uk

How We Can Help

Your Personal Adviser will talk to you about the important relationships in your life and help you identify people who provide support, encouragement and guidance. We can help you access specialist services, mentoring opportunities, counselling, domestic abuse support, parenting advice and community activities that help you build positive relationships and a strong support network.

Our aim is for every care-experienced young person to have trusted people around them who provide emotional security, encouragement and support, helping them feel connected, valued, safe and confident as they move into adulthood.

Domestic Abuse - You Deserve to Feel Safe

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and supported in their relationships and where they live. If you are worried about a relationship, experiencing domestic abuse, or feel unsafe at home, you do not have to deal with it on your own.

Domestic abuse is never your fault, and support is available whenever you need it.

What is Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is when someone you are in a relationship with, or someone close to you, tries to control, frighten, hurt or manipulate you.

It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality or background.

Domestic abuse is not always physical. It can include controlling behaviour, threats, emotional abuse, financial abuse, stalking, online abuse or any behaviour that makes you feel frightened, pressured, isolated or unsafe.

What Does Domestic Abuse Look Like

Domestic abuse can include:

  • Hitting, pushing, kicking or physically hurting you.
  • Threatening you, your pets or people you care about.
  • Constantly putting you down, criticising you or making you feel worthless.
  • Checking your phone, messages or social media without your permission.
  • Controlling who you can see, where you go or who you speak to.
  • Stopping you from seeing friends, family or other support networks.
  • Taking your money, controlling your finances or forcing you into debt.
  • Pressuring you to do things you do not want to do.
  • Repeatedly making you feel scared, intimidated or unsafe.

Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship

Sometimes abusive behaviour can be difficult to recognise.

You may want to seek support if someone:

  • Makes you feel nervous about how they will react.
  • Tries to control what you wear, where you go or who you spend time with.
  • Frequently checks up on you or demands to know where you are.
  • Makes you feel guilty for spending time with other people.
  • Blames you for their behaviour or problems in the relationship.
  • Makes you feel isolated, frightened or unhappy.
  • Pressures you into doing things you are not comfortable with.

If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and speak to someone you trust.

If Domestic Abuse Affected You Growing Up

We understand that some care-experienced young people may have lived in homes where domestic abuse took place.

You may have witnessed arguments, violence, controlling behaviour or seen the impact abuse had on someone you care about. Even if the abuse was not directed at you, it can affect your confidence, wellbeing, relationships and sense of safety.

The law recognises that children and young people who experience the effects of domestic abuse are victims too and have the right to support.

How We Can Help

Your Personal Adviser (PA) and the Next Steps Service are here to support you.

We can:

  • Listen to you without judgement.
  • Take your concerns seriously.
  • Help you understand the signs of domestic abuse and unhealthy relationships.
  • Support you to access specialist domestic abuse services.
  • Help you access emotional wellbeing and mental health support.
  • Support you to build confidence and self-esteem.
  • Help you understand your rights and the options available to you.
  • Support you to build and maintain healthy, positive relationships.
  • Safety plan

You will not be expected to deal with things on your own.

Keeping You Safe

If you are worried about your safety, we will work with you to create a plan that helps keep you safe.

This may include:

  • Creating a personal safety plan.
  • Agreeing a code word or safe way of communicating if someone is monitoring your phone, messages or social media.
  • Increasing contact with you when additional support is needed.
  • Supporting you to report concerns to the Police if you choose to do so.
  • Helping you attend appointments with specialist services.
  • Working with other professionals and agencies, with your knowledge wherever possible, to help keep you safe.
  • Helping you stay connected to trusted adults, friends and support networks.

Your safety and wellbeing will always be our priority.

Safe Accommodation

If you do not feel safe where you are living, we will help you explore your options.

This may include:

  • Reviewing whether your current accommodation remains suitable.
  • Considering alternative accommodation if needed.
  • Helping you access emergency accommodation.
  • Working with housing providers and support services to help keep you safe.

We will always consider your individual circumstances, vulnerabilities and the support available around you when planning accommodation.

Support Wherever You Live

You will continue to receive support from the Next Steps Service even if you live outside Stoke-on-Trent.

We can help you access specialist domestic abuse services, housing support, counselling and other local services wherever you are living. We will work with local organisations and professionals to make sure you receive the support you need.

Remember - It Is Not Your Fault

Nobody deserves to be abused, controlled or made to feel unsafe.

If someone is treating you badly, it is not your fault. Help and support are available, and there are people who will listen and help you stay safe.

In an Emergency

If you are in immediate danger or feel unsafe, call 999 and ask for the Police.

If you would like advice or support, please speak to your Personal Adviser or contact the Next Steps Service.

You do not have to face domestic abuse alone. We are here to help you feel safe, supported and in control of your future.

Support services

Staffordshire Women's Aid

  • Provides specialist support for women, men and young people affected by domestic abuse, including outreach support, refuge accommodation, advocacy and safety planning.
  • Website: www.staffordshirewomensaid.org
  • Telephone: 0300 330 5959

Glow Domestic Abuse Service, Provides support to adults, young people and families experiencing domestic abuse across Stoke-on-Trent.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24 Hours) If you need immediate advice, support or a safe place to stay.

New Era Domestic Abuse Service

New Era is the specialist domestic abuse service for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. They provide free and confidential support for anyone affected by domestic abuse, including care-experienced young people. You do not need to have reported anything to the police to access support.

New Era can help with:

  • Safety planning.
  • Emotional support.
  • Advice about healthy relationships.
  • Accessing emergency accommodation and refuge spaces.
  • Housing support.
  • Support with court proceedings.
  • Support from specialist domestic abuse advisers.
  • Support for family members affected by domestic abuse.
  •  24-hour Helpline: 0300 303 3778
  • Website: www.new-era.uk

24-Hour Online Webchat: If you do not feel comfortable speaking on the phone, you can access confidential support through the New Era online webchat service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This allows you to talk to a trained adviser online and get advice, support and safety planning when you need it

Website and Webchat: https://www.new-era.uk/

Support for Male Care-Experienced Young People

Domestic abuse can affect men as well as women. If you are a young man experiencing domestic abuse, support is available.

If you are worried about a relationship, experiencing domestic abuse, or feel unsafe, we can help.

Staying Safe

We can support you to:

  • Creating a personal safety plan.
  • Agreeing a code word or safe way of communicating if someone is monitoring your phone, messages or social media.
  • Increasing contact with you when additional support is needed.
  • Supporting you to report concerns to the Police if you choose to do so.
  • Helping you attend appointments with specialist services.
  • Working with other professionals and agencies, with your knowledge wherever possible, to help keep you safe.
  • Helping you stay connected to trusted adults, friends and support networks.

Emotional Support

We can support your emotional wellbeing and help you access the right support for your individual circumstances.

Positive Relationships

We can help you maintain safe, healthy and positive relationships with the people who are important to you.

Our Commitment

Our aim is to make sure every care-experienced young person feels safe, respected and supported in their relationships and knows where to turn for help when they need it.

Support for Male Victims of Domestic Abuse

New Era has specialist advisers who provide confidential support for male victims of domestic abuse. They can offer:

  • Confidential advice.
  • Emotional support.
  • Safety planning.
  • Practical help.

Contact New Era

  • 24-Hour Helpline: 0300 303 3778
  • Email: new-era@victimsupport.org.uk
  • Online Webchat

If you do not feel comfortable talking on the phone, you can use the confidential online webchat service provided by New Era.

The webchat is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing you to speak to a trained adviser online about domestic abuse, your safety or any concerns you may have.

Access the webchat through the Website: www.new-era.uk

National Support for Men

Men's Advice Line

Provides confidential advice and support for men experiencing domestic abuse.

Respect Men's Advice Line

The service is free, confidential and available to support men who are experiencing domestic abuse from a current or former partner. It can also provide information about your options, safety planning and where to access further support.

Remember: Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. If you are experiencing abuse or feel unsafe, support is available and you do not have to deal with it on your own.

In an Emergency

If you are in immediate danger or feel unsafe, call 999 straight away.

If You Live Outside Stoke-on-Trent

We know that some care-experienced young people live outside Stoke-on-Trent for education, work, family reasons or because their accommodation is in another area.

Wherever you live, you will still be supported by the Next Steps Service.

Getting the Right Support

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, controlling behaviour, threats, stalking, or feel unsafe in a relationship, your Personal Adviser (PA) will work with you to help you access the right support.

We will support you to find local domestic abuse services, specialist organisations and other agencies in the area where you live.

How We Can Help

We can help you to:

  • Access specialist domestic abuse services in the area where you live.
  • Develop a safety plan.
  • Review your accommodation if you do not feel safe.
  • Access emergency housing or refuge services where appropriate.
  • Maintain contact with your Personal Adviser and support network.
  • Access emotional wellbeing and mental health support.

Ongoing Support from Your Personal Adviser

No matter where you live, you will continue to receive support from the Next Steps Service and your Personal Adviser.

We will work with you to make sure you get the right support at the right time.

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Care leavers local offer