Where you live

Having a safe, stable and suitable place to live is an important part of becoming independent and building the future you want. We will work with you to help you find and keep a home that meets your needs, helps you feel settled and supported, and keeps you connected to the people, places and opportunities that matter to you.

We Will Help You Plan Where You Live

We will start talking to you about your future accommodation before you leave care so that there is plenty of time to plan.

Your Social Worker, Personal Adviser (PA) and our specialist Care-Experienced Housing Workers will work alongside you to understand:

• Where you would like to live.
• The type of accommodation that would suit you best.
• The support you may need to live independently.
• Your education, training and employment plans.
• Your health and wellbeing needs.
• The people and relationships that are important to you.

To help us plan properly, we will complete a Joint Housing Assessment with you. This helps us understand your needs, goals and aspirations and identify the accommodation that will best support you.

Your Voice Matters

We want you to be involved in decisions about where you live.

We will listen to what is important to you, including:

• Where you would like to live.
• The type of accommodation you prefer.
• Who you want to stay connected with.
• Any support you think you need.

We will always take your wishes into account alongside your safety, support needs, affordability and the accommodation available.

Keeping You Safe

Your safety and wellbeing are at the centre of all accommodation planning.

When considering accommodation, we will think about:

• Your physical and emotional wellbeing.
• Any risks from exploitation, county lines, grooming or domestic abuse.
• Your health, disability or additional support needs.
• Your support networks and relationships.
• Whether the area is safe and suitable for you.

Where needed, we will work with housing providers, health services, community safety teams, the police and other professionals to make sure your accommodation is safe and appropriate.

If you ever feel unsafe where you live, tell your PA or another trusted professional straight away. We can review your accommodation, help you move if necessary and make sure you have the right support around you.

Working Together to Support You

Supporting care-experienced young people is a shared responsibility.

The Next Steps Service works closely with Housing Services through our specialist Care-Experienced Housing Workers. They understand the challenges young people can face when moving into adulthood and can help you access accommodation, prevent homelessness and resolve housing issues early.

Depending on your needs, we may also work with:

• Adult Social Care.
• Health and Mental Health Services.
• Housing Associations.
• Supported Accommodation Providers.
• Community Safety Teams.
• Voluntary and community organisations.

By working together, we aim to provide the right support at the right time.

If You Receive Support from Adult Social Care

If you receive support from Adult Social Care, or are being assessed for support, we will work closely together to plan your future accommodation.

This may include:

• Joint assessments.
• Joint planning meetings.
• Coordinated support arrangements.

Our aim is to make sure your move into adulthood is as smooth as possible and that you don't have to navigate lots of different services on your own.

Accommodation Options

Everyone is different, and there is no single accommodation option that is right for everyone.

The accommodation available to you will depend on your age, needs, readiness for independence and future plans.

Staying Put

Staying with Your Former Foster Carers

If you and your foster carers both agree, you may be able to stay living with them after you turn 18 through a Staying Put arrangement.

Staying Put allows you to remain in a family environment while continuing to develop your independence skills.

Financial Support

To help make Staying Put possible, Stoke-on-Trent City Council pays your former foster carers a Staying Put allowance of £100 per week.

If you are entitled to housing support, this will also be paid to your former foster carers towards the cost of your accommodation and support.

Contributing Towards Costs

If you receive benefits, we would usually expect a contribution of around £20 per week towards your living costs. This will always be discussed with you and based on your individual circumstances.

If you are working, we will help you create a budget and agree a fair contribution towards household expenses.

University and Armed Forces

If you go to university, we will support you to return to your Staying Put home during holidays where everyone agrees.

If you join the Armed Forces, we will consider whether your Staying Put arrangement can continue during periods of leave.

Supported Accommodation

Supported accommodation helps you develop your independence while still having support available when you need it.

Depending on the accommodation, you may have:

• Your own bedroom and shared facilities.
• A self-contained flat or studio.
• Accommodation shared with other young people.

Support can help you with:

• Managing money and paying bills.
• Cooking and shopping.
• Keeping your home clean and safe.
• Attending appointments.
• Education, training and employment.
• Building confidence and independence.
• Staying safe and looking after your wellbeing.

As your confidence grows, the level of support will usually reduce.

Concrete

Concrete provides supported accommodation for young people who need support while preparing for greater independence.

Most accommodation is self-contained, allowing you to have your own space while still receiving support.

Support can include:

• Budgeting and money management.
• Cooking and daily living skills.
• Looking after your home.
• Tenancy skills.
• Accessing education and employment.
• Building confidence for independent living.

Some accommodation offers support 24 hours a day.

Egret

Egret provides fully furnished supported accommodation with your own bedroom and shared communal areas.

Support includes:

• Welfare checks.
• Managing benefits.
• Independent living skills.
• Wellbeing support.
• Planning for future accommodation.

Populus

Populus provides accommodation for young people who may have low-level learning difficulties, physical disabilities or additional support needs.

Support can include:

• Budgeting.
• Cooking and shopping.
• Housekeeping.
• Personal care.
• Employment and training support.
• Independent living skills.

YMCA North Staffordshire

YMCA provides accommodation alongside personalised support to help you develop confidence, skills and independence.

You may also be able to access wider opportunities through YMCA including education, training and wellbeing activities.

Supported Lodgings

Supported Lodgings gives you the opportunity to live with a carefully assessed host in a family home.

It can be a good option if you are not yet ready to manage your own tenancy but want to build your confidence and independence.

Your host can help you with:

• Cooking and meal preparation.
• Budgeting.
• Laundry and household tasks.
• Attending appointments.
• Education and employment.
• Developing routines and life skills.

Independent Accommodation

Independent accommodation may include:

• Social housing.
• Private rented accommodation.

Living independently means being responsible for:

• Paying your rent and bills.
• Budgeting your money.
• Managing your tenancy.
• Looking after your home.
• Being a good neighbour.

Before you move, we will help make sure you have the skills and support you need to succeed.

Social Housing

If you are ready to manage your own tenancy, social housing may be an option.

If you are leaving the care of Stoke-on-Trent City Council and meet the relevant Housing Register requirements, you will normally receive a high level of priority on the Housing Register.

Your Housing Worker can support you to complete an application and explain how the process works.

Private Rented Accommodation

Private rented accommodation may be another option if it is suitable and affordable for you.

Through the Support 2 Let Scheme, eligible young people may receive help with:

• A tenancy deposit.
• The first month's rent.
• Affordability assessments.
• Help finding suitable accommodation.
• Support to maintain a tenancy.
• A guarantor scheme where available.

Our aim is not just to help you find a home, but to help you keep it.

Specialist Accommodation

Some young people may need additional support because of:

• Disability.
• Mental health needs.
• Physical health needs.
• Learning needs.
• Emotional wellbeing needs.

Specialist accommodation may include:

• Supported living.
• Accommodation with on-site support.
• Adapted accommodation.
• Enhanced mental health support.
• Disability-specific accommodation.

Our aim is to help you live as independently as possible while ensuring the right support is available.

Shared Lives

Shared Lives gives you the opportunity to live with a carefully matched Shared Lives carer in a family environment.

This can help you:

• Build confidence.
• Learn new skills.
• Develop independence.
• Create lasting relationships.

The House Project

The House Project helps care-experienced young people develop the confidence and skills needed for independent living.

Up to 10 young people each year can access a House Project property.

You can learn about:

• Managing a tenancy.
• Budgeting.
• Cooking.
• Home maintenance.
• Staying safe.
• Independent living skills.

Even if you do not receive a House Project property, you may still benefit from the training, activities and support offered through the programme.

Student Accommodation

If you go to university or higher education, you may be able to live in:

• Halls of residence.
• Student flats.
• University-managed accommodation.
• Private student accommodation.

We can help you:

• Plan where you will live.
• Access bursaries, grants and financial support.
• Settle into student life.
• Arrange accommodation during university holidays.

We will also provide financial support towards accommodation costs during university holiday periods.

Support for Different Circumstances

If You Are a Young Parent

If you are pregnant or have children, we will help you find accommodation that is suitable for you and your child.

This may include:

• Supported accommodation.
• Social housing.
• Private rented accommodation.

The Gingerbread Centre

The Gingerbread Centre provides supported accommodation and support for young parents and families.

Support can include:

• Parenting support.
• Budgeting.
• Education and employment support.
• Independent living skills.
• Managing a tenancy.

If You Live Outside Stoke-on-Trent

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

We will work with local agencies and services to make sure you can access the help and support you need.

If you are under 25, you are not required to meet the usual local connection rules when applying for social housing in England, although you must still meet the local authority's other eligibility requirements.

Preventing Homelessness

We want to help before a housing problem becomes a crisis.

If you are worried about losing your accommodation, tell your Housing Worker or PA as soon as possible.

We may be able to help by:

• Working with your landlord or accommodation provider.
• Arranging meetings or mediation.
• Helping with budgeting and rent problems.
• Accessing benefits advice.
• Providing additional support.
• Identifying alternative accommodation where necessary.

The sooner you talk to us, the more options we may have available.

Housing Support and Advice

Housing Solutions Team

• Telephone: 01782 233696
• Email: homelesssupportteam@stoke.gov.uk

Emergency Duty Team (out of hours)

• Telephone: 01782 234234

Moving Into Your New Home

Moving into your own home is a big step, and we want to help make it a positive experience.

Your PA will help you prepare, move in and settle into your new home.

Practical and Financial Support

We can provide support with:

• Moving your belongings.
• Transport on moving day.
• Essential household items through your Leaving Care Grant.
• Bags, suitcases or luggage if needed.

Understanding Your Tenancy

We will help you understand:

• Your tenancy agreement.
• Your rights and responsibilities.
• How to report repairs.
• Who to contact if you need help.

Settling In

Moving can feel exciting but sometimes overwhelming.

We will increase contact during the first few weeks and months after you move and provide practical advice and support to help you settle in.

Learning Independent Living Skills

We can help you with:

• Budgeting and managing money.
• Paying bills.
• Setting up utilities.
• Understanding your tenancy.
• Managing your home.
• Building confidence and independence.

Our aim is to help you have a safe, stable and suitable home where you can feel secure, achieve your goals and build the future you want.