Care experienced

If you are under 18 and are living in care or are going to go into care, this page will help you understand your circumstances and get the support you need.

ADVICE, ADVOCACY AND CREATING CHANGE

Become - the charity for children in care and care leavers

Become work with care-experienced young people to create change. You can get support and information by visiting their site, or by calling 0800 023 2033 between 10am-5pm, Monday-Friday.

Always Heard is run by Coram Voice and provides advice and advocacy for Looked After Children, Care Leavers and young people on the edge of care from 0-25 years old. You can call 0808 800 5792 to speak to someone.

Stand Alone - Support for those estranged from family

Stand Alone support and raise awareness about adults that are estranged from their family or children. They offer support services to prevent estranged adults becoming vulnerable, and talk openly about the experience of family estrangement to help others lead lives that are less isolated.

Applying to university as a care leaver

For care leavers, applying to university can throw up issues and obstacles, but there is plenty of help and support available during and after the application process.

Best care leavers’ scholarships and bursaries for Higher Education

If you are a care leaver and need additional financial support when you go to university, you can find out more here about how and where to apply.

LEAVING CARE

Leaving foster or local authority care

Your local council must provide you with support until you’re 25. When you leave care there’ll be a meeting to help you work out what you’re going to do next.

Care Leaver Covenant

The Care Leaver Covenant is a national inclusion programme that supports Care Leavers by crating meaningful opportunities in 5 key areas: independent living; education, employment and training; safety and security; mental and physical health; and finance. Visit their website or call 0800 077 3557 for more information and support.