Our support to you

About Your Local Offer

This Local Offer is for care-experienced young people in Stoke-on-Trent. It explains the support, advice and opportunities available to help you build a positive future and become more independent.

Everyone's journey is different, and the support you need may change over time. Whether you need help with housing, money, education, employment, health, relationships or learning new life skills, we are here to support you.

Your Rights and Entitlements

Some of the support in this Local Offer is something we must provide by law, while other support is extra help and opportunities that we and our partners offer. We will always be clear about what support you are entitled to and what you can expect from us. If you are ever unsure, your Personal Adviser (PA) will explain your rights, the support available to you and how to access it.

Your Personal Adviser (PA) will help you understand what support is available and how to access it. They will work alongside you to help you achieve your goals and make sure you have the information, advice and support you need.

Who Can Help You

You may receive support from a range of services that work together to help you succeed, including:

• The Next Steps Service and your Personal Adviser (PA)
• Housing and accommodation providers
• Health and wellbeing services
• Schools, colleges, universities and training providers
• Employment and careers services
• Jobcentre Plus
• Community, voluntary and faith organisations
• Advocacy and specialist support services

Together, these services can help you with accommodation, education, employment, finances, health, relationships, independence skills and community connections.

Most importantly, we want you to know that you are not alone. There is a network of people and services available to support you, believe in you and help you achieve your goals.

Preparation for adulthood

Preparing for Adulthood and Independence

Becoming an adult is exciting, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. We will start talking to you about independence long before you leave care, so that you have time to learn new skills, build confidence and prepare for the future.

There is no expectation that you will know how to do everything straight away. We will work alongside you at a pace that is right for you and help you develop the skills you need to live independently and achieve your goals.

How We Will Help You Prepare

Preparing for adulthood is something that happens over time. Your Social Worker, Foster Carer, Residential Staff, Supported Accommodation Staff and Personal Adviser (PA) will help you learn and practise everyday life skills.

We will help you:

• Learn how to manage money and budget.
• Understand bills, banking and benefits.
• Cook healthy and affordable meals.
• Shop for food and household essentials.
• Keep your home clean and safe.
• Attend appointments and access services.
• Understand tenancy agreements and housing responsibilities.
• Develop confidence, resilience and problem-solving skills.
• Build positive relationships and support networks.
• Prepare for education, employment and training opportunities.

Your Pathway Plan

Your Pathway Plan is all about helping you prepare for adult life and achieve the goals that are important to you.

Together, we will talk about:

• Where you want to live.
• Your education, training or employment plans.
• Your physical and emotional wellbeing.
• Important relationships and support networks.
• Money, budgeting and financial support.
• Any additional support you may need as you become more independent.

Your Pathway Plan will be regularly reviewed so that it continues to reflect your needs, wishes and ambitions.

Independence Programme

We offer an Independence Programme designed to help you build practical skills and confidence before you leave care.

The programme covers:

• Managing money and budgeting.
• Cooking and healthy eating.
• Shopping and household tasks.
• Looking after your physical and emotional wellbeing.
• Managing a tenancy and understanding bills.
• Accessing services and attending appointments.
• Staying safe and making informed decisions.

You will be supported to complete the programme and put your learning into practice.

Practising Independence

Learning independence is not just about talking about it, it is about practising it.

You may be supported to:

• Plan and cook meals.
• Manage a weekly budget.
• Use public transport independently.
• Attend appointments on your own.
• Open and manage a bank account.
• Pay bills and understand household costs.
• Build routines and manage your time.

We want you to feel confident doing these things before moving into your own accommodation.

Independence Training Flat

We also have an Independence Training Flat where you can experience what it is like to live on your own before moving into independent accommodation.

You may be able to stay in the flat for up to three weeks, depending on your circumstances and agreed plans.

During your stay you can practise:

• Managing a budget.
• Shopping for food and essentials.
• Planning and cooking meals.
• Cleaning and maintaining a home.
• Organising your daily routine.
• Living independently while knowing support is available if you need it.

Before you move into the Training Flat, we will agree a support plan with you to make sure you have the right level of support throughout your stay.

Support Doesn't Stop When You Leave Care

Leaving care does not mean leaving support behind.

Your Personal Adviser will continue to support you as you move into adulthood and can help you with housing, money, education, employment, health, relationships and any challenges you may face along the way.

We want you to feel confident, prepared and excited about your future. Most importantly, we want you to know that you do not have to do it on your own