We are still here for you
Just because you are leaving care, or have already left care and are becoming more independent, it does not mean we stop caring about you. We are still here for you. We want you to feel safe, supported, and confident about where to go and who to talk to if you need advice or help.
We want you to feel positive and excited about your future. This website is here to help you think about things like where you might live, finding a job or training, managing money, staying healthy, building relationships, and knowing the right people to talk to.
Care leavers helped us create the information on this site. We will always listen to what you have to say and use your views to make sure the support we offer is right for you.
Who is a care leaver and what support you can get
A care leaver is a young person who has been in care before. If you were in care with Somerset Council, we will support you because we are your corporate parent. This means we still have a responsibility to care about you and help you as you move into adulthood. The support you get depends on when you came into care and how long you were with us.
You can get full support from the Leaving Care Service if you have:
- been in care for at least 13 weeks between the ages of 14 and 16 (including your 16th birthday), or
- been in care for at least 13 weeks after you turned 16.
If you came into care after you turned 16 and only for a short time, you will still get support, but not the full package. The support you receive will be based on what you need. This is also the case if you lived with carers under a Special Guardianship Order before you turned 18. If you are aged 21 to 25, you may still be able to get support if you need it. This depends on your situation.
If you are not sure what support you can get, just ask your Leaving Care Worker or phone us on 0300 123 2224. We are here to support you and make sure you are not dealing with things on your own.
Types of care leaver and your rights
There are four types of care leaver. Which type you are depends on when you were in care and how long you were there. Each type has different rights and support under the law.
It is important to know which type of care leaver you are, so you understand what support is available to you.
You can find more information about the different types of care leaver on the Coram Voice website, including:
Types of support available
The support you can receive depends on your care leaver status. Your Personal Adviser or Leaving Care Worker can explain what applies to you.
Planning your support
Assessment of your needs
We will work with you to understand your needs and what support, advice and guidance will help you most.
This support is available to:
- Eligible care leavers
- Relevant care leavers
- Former relevant care leavers aged 18 to 20
- Former relevant care leavers aged 21 to 25
- Qualifying care leavers
Pathway Plan
Your Pathway Plan sets out your goals and the support you need. It is reviewed regularly and updated when your circumstances change.
This support is available to:
- Eligible care leavers
- Relevant care leavers
- Former relevant care leavers aged 18 to 20
- Former relevant care leavers aged 21 to 25 who are still receiving a Leaving Care service
Advice and support
Personal Adviser
You will have someone to support and guide you. Before you turn 18 this will usually be your Social Worker. After 18, this will normally be your Leaving Care Worker.
This support is available to:
- Eligible care leavers
- Relevant care leavers
- Former relevant care leavers aged 18 to 20
- Former relevant care leavers aged 21 to 25 if an assessment shows you need one
- Qualifying care leavers if an assessment shows you need one
If you are over 25, you can still contact your previous Leaving Care Worker for advice if they are still in the service. Otherwise, you can contact a duty worker.
Advice and guidance
We can provide information, guidance and advice when you need it.
This support is available to:
- Eligible care leavers
- Relevant care leavers
- Former relevant care leavers aged 18 to 20
- Former relevant care leavers aged 21 to 25
- Qualifying care leavers
- Care leavers aged over 25
Regular contact and visits
Your Social Worker or Leaving Care Worker will stay in touch with you and offer support. If you lose contact, we will help you reconnect with the service.
This support is available to:
- Eligible care leavers
- Relevant care leavers
- Former relevant care leavers aged 18 to 20
- Former relevant care leavers aged 21 to 25 if needed
- Qualifying care leavers if needed
Housing and money
Help with accommodation
We can help eligible young people find and maintain suitable accommodation.
This support is available to:
- Eligible care leavers
- Relevant care leavers
Financial support for daily living
Financial support may be available to help with everyday living costs.
This support is available to:
- Eligible care leavers
- Relevant care leavers
Setting Up Home Allowance
When you move into your own home, you may receive a Setting Up Home Allowance (also known as a Leaving Care Grant) of up to £3,000 to help you buy essential items.
This support is available to:
Eligible care leavers
- Relevant care leavers
- Former relevant care leavers aged 18 to 20
- Former relevant care leavers aged 21 to 25
Birthday and festival allowances
Some care leavers may receive support towards birthdays and significant festivals.
This support is available to:
- Eligible care leavers
- Relevant care leavers
- Former relevant care leavers aged 18 to 20
Education, traing and employment
Education, training and employment support
We can help you access education, training and employment opportunities, including financial support where agreed in your Pathway Plan.
This support is available to:
- Eligible care leavers
- Relevant care leavers
- Former relevant care leavers aged 18 to 20
- Former relevant care leavers aged 21 to 25
- Qualifying care leavers
Higher education bursary
If you go to university or another higher education course, you may be able to receive a bursary of £2,000 per year, up to a total of £6,000.
This support is available to:
- Former relevant care leavers aged 18 to 20
- Former relevant care leavers aged 21 to 25
- Qualifying care leavers
Health and wellbeing
Health assessments
You will receive an initial health assessment and annual health reviews until you turn 18.
This support is available to:
- Eligible care leavers
Reviews of your support
Pathway Plan reviews
Your Pathway Plan will be reviewed at least every six months to make sure it continues to meet your needs.
This support is available to:
- Eligible care leavers
- Relevant care leavers
- Former relevant care leavers aged 18 to 20