Financial support
Did you know – you can get the following financial support from us?
- Birthday allowance of £65 if you are 17,19 and 20, or
- An extra payment of £80 when you are 18 and 21 to help you celebrate
- A festivals allowance, like at Christmas or any celebration which is important to you, of £65
- You choose which celebration you would like to get money for and write this in your Pathway Plan
- Setting up Home allowance (SUHA) of up to £3,000, which you can use between the ages of 18 and 25 to buy furniture, white goods – like a fridge, cooker and furnishings for your accommodation.
- The cost of storage for furniture before or after a move
- Help with transport costs to visit family in Somerset, twice a month
- Help to apply to charities for things like driving lessons. In some circumstances we might be able to help – for instance if it is linked to your education, training or employment, and the availability of public transport.
- In an emergency, we may be able to help you with ‘one off’ financial support, but only in exceptional circumstances
Help with your education, training and employment
We will help with your education, training and employment
We will
- help you apply for a £1200 bursary if you want to stay in education and go to a further education college
- help you meet costs related to childcare and travel if you are a parent
- pay you a £2000 Bursary if you go to university. – we will also continue to pay your incentive until you are 21
- pay for your rail warrant during term time
- help you pay for transport at the beginning and end of university terms
- help you pay for accommodation during holiday periods
- help you apply to colleges for discretionary bursaries if you need any extra help with your study costs – such as books or transport
- make sure you get your £1,000 government bursary payment in your first year if you are a care leaver aged 16 to 24 and start an apprenticeship
- help with the cost of college, work or interview clothes or equipment for college or work
- in some circumstances we might be able to help pay for a gym pass
Help to get your ID documents
We can help you get your important ID documents.
We will help you to apply for:
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Birth Certificate – a replacement, if you have lost your original
Financial help from partners and corporate parents
50% Off Gym Memberships for Care Leavers
To encourage and promote health and fitness for care leavers, Puregym are presenting a generous 50% discount on gym memberships.
Guidance For Leaving Care | Barclays LifeSkills
Barclays have teamed up with the care leaver covenant to give back to care leavers who may be struggling to find that financial stability. They have created 12 learning packs to help better ready you for your first steps to employment.
Leisure centres in Somerset West and Taunton are set to offer free membership to children in care and care experienced young people.
Blackbrook Leisure Centre and Spa, Taunton Swimming Pool, Wellington Sports Centre and Wellsprings Leisure Centre run by award-winning operator Everyone Active in partnership with Somerset West and Taunton Council are taking part in the new initiative to reduce the barriers between children and young people participating in sport and physical activity. The free membership will give them access to a range of facilities depending on their age, including gym, swim, soft play and group exercise.
Tackling Minds | Fishing for Mental Health and Well-being UK
If you are a Care Experienced young person, you may be entitled to receive a free fishing licence. Must be between the ages of 16 to 25. The Licence will only work on any of their 6 fishing venues. To find out more, see the Taunton Angling Association website
Explains what we can help you with including your allowances, your accommodation, support with your employment, training and education; and support for young people in certain circumstances.