Leaving care (Local Offer for Care Leavers)

In 2023, South Tyneside Council and the Leaving Care team received funding from the Department for Education to develop a project to provide extra support for young people leaving care.

The Staying Close, Staying Connected project will offer extra support to people who have recently left care or who may need additional support if things go wrong along the way.

The funding will be used to extend support we can offer our care experienced young people and help them prepare for independence. It will also offer continued support to young people to ensure their journey to independence is as successful as it can be.

Who can benefit from the project

Support is available to young people aged 16 to 25.

When necessary, support will be offered to people over 25 years old.

It targets young people who are planning and preparing for the move out of care, on route to more independence.

Aims of the project

• To provide suitable, secure accommodation and maintained tenancies.
• To create innovative approaches to meeting young people's accommodation needs and develop improved accommodation options for care leavers.
• To provide individualised and targeted support to help develop the skills and confidence needed to live independently.
• To improve the emotional health and wellbeing of our care leavers.
• To provide opportunities to connect with care experienced young people.
• To improve and encourage engagement between our care leavers and education, employment, and training providers.

As part of the project, we have expanded our Leaving Care team. It now includes a:

• Care Experienced Personal Advisor
  This post will help ensure all improvements are shaped by care experienced young people to achieve lasting change.
• Housing Options Officer
  This post will work with individuals to identify and secure suitable accommodation and ensure support is available to sustain tenancies over a long period of time.
• Health and Wellbeing Counsellor
  This role will provide responsive emotional and psychosocial support.
• Peer Mentors Programme
  Our trained Peer Mentors can be matched to other care experienced young people to provide a range of practical support to promote confidence and opportunities for positive social relationships.

How to take part in the project

Please contact your Social Worker or Personal Advisor if you are eligible for the support.