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Care Leavers

Gloucestershire’s Local Offer for Care Leavers

This information is here to help you understand the support available to you as a care leaver.

We know that becoming an adult and leaving care can feel overwhelming. There are lots of changes, and it’s normal to feel unsure. That’s why we’re here, to support you as you move towards independence.

This Local Offer was created with help from care leavers and the people who support them. It’s designed to make sure you get the right help, at the right time, in a way that works for you.

We promise that we will do all we can to support you. This strategy sets out how we will deliver on this promise:

The Sky's the Limit: Gloucestershire's Corporate Parenting Strategy 2025/28 

We’re here for you

Gloucestershire County Council is your corporate parent. That means we care about you and want the best for you. We are committed to supporting and caring for all young people who have been in care. 

We’ll help you:

  • Know your rights and what you’re entitled to
  • Access support for things like housing, money, health, education, and work
  • Reach your goals and live a happy, healthy life

Our promise to you

As your corporate parent, we promise to:

  • Put your health and wellbeing first
  • Listen to your views and feelings
  • Help you get the services and support you need
  • Encourage you to aim high and achieve your goals
  • Help you feel safe and supported in your home, relationships, and education or work
  • Prepare you for adult life and living independently

There are different types of care leavers, depending on your age and how long you were in care. Here's what it means for you:

Eligible Child

You are:

  • 16 or 17 years old
  • Still in care now
  • Have been in care for at least 13 weeks since you turned 14 (including at least one day after turning 16)

You’re still looked after and will get a personal adviser to help you prepare for leaving care.

Relevant Care Leaver

You are:

  • 16 or 17 years old
  • You were an eligible child but have now left care

You’ll get:

  • A personal adviser
  • A pathway plan to guide your next steps
  • Help with housing, money, education, and health

Former Relevant Care Leaver

You are:

  • Aged 18 to 25
  • You were an eligible or relevant care leaver when you reached age 18

You’ll keep your personal adviser until you’re 21 — or up to 25 if you want ongoing support.
You can still get help with housing, education, training, and more.

Qualifying for advice and help

You are:

  • Aged 16 to 21 (or up to 25 if in education)
  • You were in care after your 16th birthday, but for less than 13 weeks
  • Or you were privately fostered or had a Special Guardianship Order

You can ask for advice and support at any time up to age 21 or 25 if related to education support.
If needed, we’ll make a plan with you. This might include financial help.

Want to know more about your rights?
Visit: Become and Coram Voice. 

There are different types of care leavers, depending on your age and how long you were in care. Here's what it means for you:

Eligible Child

You are:

  • 16 or 17 years old
  • Still in care now
  • Have been in care for at least 13 weeks since you turned 14 (including at least one day after turning 16)

You’re still looked after and will get a personal adviser to help you prepare for leaving care.

Relevant Care Leaver

You are:

  • 16 or 17 years old
  • You were an eligible child but have now left care

You’ll get:

  • A personal adviser
  • A pathway plan to guide your next steps
  • Help with housing, money, education, and health

Former Relevant Care Leaver

You are:

  • Aged 18 to 25
  • You were an eligible or relevant care leaver when you reached age 18

You’ll keep your personal adviser until you’re 21 — or up to 25 if you want ongoing support.
You can still get help with housing, education, training, and more.

Qualifying for advice and help

You are:

  • Aged 16 to 21 (or up to 25 if in education)
  • You were in care after your 16th birthday, but for less than 13 weeks
  • Or you were privately fostered or had a Special Guardianship Order

You can ask for advice and support at any time up to age 21 or 25 if related to education support.
If needed, we’ll make a plan with you. This might include financial help.

Want to know more about your rights?
Visit: Become and Coram Voice. 

What does a social worker do?

Your social worker is there to support you while you’re in care. They help keep you safe and make sure you’re getting the support you need.

Here’s what they do:

  • Visit you regularly and keep you updated on any decisions about your life
  • Help you with school, college, or training through your Personal Education Plan (PEP)
  • Talk with you about where you live, who cares for you, and your contact with family and friends
  • Share your views with your Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
  • Make sure you get health checks, dentist and eye appointments
  • Help with money for things like school, clothes, travel, and seeing family
  • Help you get ready to leave care by creating a pathway plan with you

What does a Personal Adviser (PA) do?

Your personal adviser is there to support you as you prepare to leave care and become more independent.

Here’s what they do:

  • You’ll be given a PA between age 16 and 17
  • When you turn 18, your social worker usually steps back, and your PA becomes your main support
  • They’ll meet you at home or somewhere local and stay in touch regularly
  • They’ll give you advice and help you make good decisions about your future
  • Help you build confidence and speak up about what matters to you
  • Support you with life skills like budgeting, cooking, and managing your home
  • Help you stay connected with family and friends
  • We’ll try to keep the same PA with you until you’re 25 if you want ongoing support

What does a social worker do?

Your social worker is there to support you while you’re in care. They help keep you safe and make sure you’re getting the support you need.

Here’s what they do:

  • Visit you regularly and keep you updated on any decisions about your life
  • Help you with school, college, or training through your Personal Education Plan (PEP)
  • Talk with you about where you live, who cares for you, and your contact with family and friends
  • Share your views with your Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
  • Make sure you get health checks, dentist and eye appointments
  • Help with money for things like school, clothes, travel, and seeing family
  • Help you get ready to leave care by creating a pathway plan with you

What does a Personal Adviser (PA) do?

Your personal adviser is there to support you as you prepare to leave care and become more independent.

Here’s what they do:

  • You’ll be given a PA between age 16 and 17
  • When you turn 18, your social worker usually steps back, and your PA becomes your main support
  • They’ll meet you at home or somewhere local and stay in touch regularly
  • They’ll give you advice and help you make good decisions about your future
  • Help you build confidence and speak up about what matters to you
  • Support you with life skills like budgeting, cooking, and managing your home
  • Help you stay connected with family and friends
  • We’ll try to keep the same PA with you until you’re 25 if you want ongoing support

A Pathway Plan is your personal guide to help you move from care into adult life. It’s all about you — your goals, your future, and the support you’ll get along the way.

What you need to know:

  • You’ll get a Pathway Plan from age 16
  • It will stay in place until you’re 21, or up to 25 if you still want support.
  • Your plan is based on your care plan and education plan, and it will include:
    • Where you want to live
    • What you want to study or do for work
    • What support and money you’re entitled to
    • Your hopes and goals for the future

You’re involved

  • You’ll help create your plan, it’s written with you, not just about you
  • It will reflect your views and what matters most to you
  • Your plan will be reviewed every 6 months to make sure it still fits your needs and goals

If you ever feel your plan needs updating or something’s changed, talk to your personal adviser.

A Pathway Plan is your personal guide to help you move from care into adult life. It’s all about you — your goals, your future, and the support you’ll get along the way.

What you need to know:

  • You’ll get a Pathway Plan from age 16
  • It will stay in place until you’re 21, or up to 25 if you still want support.
  • Your plan is based on your care plan and education plan, and it will include:
    • Where you want to live
    • What you want to study or do for work
    • What support and money you’re entitled to
    • Your hopes and goals for the future

You’re involved

  • You’ll help create your plan, it’s written with you, not just about you
  • It will reflect your views and what matters most to you
  • Your plan will be reviewed every 6 months to make sure it still fits your needs and goals

If you ever feel your plan needs updating or something’s changed, talk to your personal adviser.

When you leave care, you’ll have different housing options depending on what’s right for you. Your social worker and personal adviser will talk with you about where you want to live, and this will be written into your pathway plan.

You can also get extra help from a housing worker if you want more info about your options.

Types of housing you can choose from:

  • Staying put - stay with your foster carer until you’re 21 (if you both agree). This gives you more time to build independence while staying in a familiar place

  • Staying close - if you’re leaving residential care or supported accommodation, this helps you stay connected to people and places that matter to you

  • Supported lodgings - live with a host who gives you a safe place and support while you learn to live more independently (up to age 21)

  • Supported accommodation (START) - live in a place with support staff who help you build life skills. Available up to age 25

  • Social housing (Homeseeker) - we’ll help you apply for independent housing. You’ll pay rent and bills, but your personal adviser will support you as you learn to live on your own

  • Private renting - you can rent a flat or a room in a shared house. We can help with costs like deposits and rent in advance

  • Living with family or friends - if you want to live with someone you know, we’ll help you talk it through and make a plan

  • Student accommodation - if you’re going to university, we’ll help you find a place to live and support you during holidays if needed

  • Specialist housing - if you have specific needs, we’ll work with adult services to find the right place for you

Financial help when you move:

  • Up to £3,000 Setting Up Home Grant for furniture and essentials
  • Help with rent in advance, deposits, and moving costs
  • We’ll pay your Council Tax until you’re 25
  • We’ll cover broadband costs for your first year
  • We can act as a rent guarantor if you’re renting privately
  • If you’re at university, you will get a higher education bursary

Life skills and bills

We’ll help you learn how to:

  • Pay rent and bills
  • Budget your money
  • Understand benefits

If you want, you can even get a life skills certificate through ASDAN.

If you’re ever unsure about a bill or get a letter you don’t understand, don’t ignore it. Talk to your personal adviser or housing worker.

When you leave care, you’ll have different housing options depending on what’s right for you. Your social worker and personal adviser will talk with you about where you want to live, and this will be written into your pathway plan.

You can also get extra help from a housing worker if you want more info about your options.

Types of housing you can choose from:

  • Staying put - stay with your foster carer until you’re 21 (if you both agree). This gives you more time to build independence while staying in a familiar place

  • Staying close - if you’re leaving residential care or supported accommodation, this helps you stay connected to people and places that matter to you

  • Supported lodgings - live with a host who gives you a safe place and support while you learn to live more independently (up to age 21)

  • Supported accommodation (START) - live in a place with support staff who help you build life skills. Available up to age 25

  • Social housing (Homeseeker) - we’ll help you apply for independent housing. You’ll pay rent and bills, but your personal adviser will support you as you learn to live on your own

  • Private renting - you can rent a flat or a room in a shared house. We can help with costs like deposits and rent in advance

  • Living with family or friends - if you want to live with someone you know, we’ll help you talk it through and make a plan

  • Student accommodation - if you’re going to university, we’ll help you find a place to live and support you during holidays if needed

  • Specialist housing - if you have specific needs, we’ll work with adult services to find the right place for you

Financial help when you move:

  • Up to £3,000 Setting Up Home Grant for furniture and essentials
  • Help with rent in advance, deposits, and moving costs
  • We’ll pay your Council Tax until you’re 25
  • We’ll cover broadband costs for your first year
  • We can act as a rent guarantor if you’re renting privately
  • If you’re at university, you will get a higher education bursary

Life skills and bills

We’ll help you learn how to:

  • Pay rent and bills
  • Budget your money
  • Understand benefits

If you want, you can even get a life skills certificate through ASDAN.

If you’re ever unsure about a bill or get a letter you don’t understand, don’t ignore it. Talk to your personal adviser or housing worker.

Item

Amount

Regularity

More information

Setting up Home Grant

£3,000

Once

Can be accessed when needed up to age of 25

Birthday Gift

£80 for 18th & 21st

£35 for 19th & 20th

£20 for 22nd – 25th

You need to be in touch with us to receive this

Gift, voucher or activity based on your preference up to age 25

Birthday meal up to age 21

£60 for 18th & 21st

£40 for 19th & 20th

You need to be in touch with us to receive this

Meal with personal adviser or activity based on preference up to age 21

Christmas / Eid Celebration

£35 up to age 21 and

£20 up to age 25

Once a year if in touch with us

Dependant on your cultural beliefs up to age 25

Christmas / Eid Celebration for their children

£20

Once a year if in touch with us

If children are living with their parent/s up to parents age of 25

Council Tax Exemption

Full amount not covered by benefits

Up to age of 25

Covers any care leaver living in Gloucestershire up to age 25 and Gloucestershire care leavers living out of area if unable to access local support.

Rent in advance

First month’s rent

Once up to age 25

We will cover the first month’s rent when moving into independent accommodation.

Accommodation Deposit

Deposit amount

Once up to age of 25

We will cover the deposit if unable to access a deposit bond scheme

Broadband

£300

Once up to age of 25

We will cover the first years Broadband costs. Ongoing support can be considered via the care leavers additional funding panel

Rent support when in Supported Accommodation and working

Usually up to £100 per week

For up to six months up to age 25

Support with rent payments if you start working while living in supported accommodation to help offset high rent costs

Mobile phones / laptops

Considered via additional funding panel

Up to age 25

Care leavers additional funding panel will consider digital inclusivity funding requests for equipment

Free Prescriptions

Cost of prescription

Up to age 25

Covers any care leaver living in Gloucestershire up to age 25 and Gloucestershire care leavers living out of area if unable to access local support

Eye Care

Cost of eye test and glasses in line with NHS costs

Up to age 25

Covers any care leaver living in Gloucestershire up to age 25 and Gloucestershire care leavers living out of area.

Dental Care

Costs of dental treatment in line with NHS costs

Up to age 25

Covers any care leaver living in Gloucestershire up to age 25 and Gloucestershire care leavers living out of area.

Key documents including Passport, Birth Certificate & Provisional Driving Licence

Costs of documents

Once up to age 25

Can be accessed or renewed once as care leaver

Driving Lessons

£300

Once up to age 25

Can be accessed if able to show ability to continue driving lessons, financial viability.

Driving Theory Test

Cost of test

Once up to age 25

Can be accessed when ready to book theory test

Practical driving Test

Cost of test

Once up to age 25

Can be accessed when ready to book driving test

Travel Card

Covers costs 100 free trips, can be extended when in education or training

Once for 100 trips, support for education and training can be accessed up to age 25

Travel can also include support for first month when gaining employment. Alternatively you can request push bike and safety equipment as alternative to travel card

Travel Documents

Up to £180

Up to age 25

To support asylum seekers to be able to travel when granted status to stay in the UK

Specialist Clothing or equipment linked to education, training or employment

Cost of essential clothing and / or equipment

Up to age 25

Needs for clothing or equipment will be covered if not able to be covered via specialist grant or other funding source

Clothing for job interviews or particular occasions, weddings, funerals etc.

Up to £100

Up to age 25

Once for particular purpose.

In custody

£20

Monthly up to age of 25

We will provide a £20 per month allowance when in custody. Birthday and celebratory allowances will be saved for when you are released

Emergency assistance

Up to £75

Maximum of 4 times in a rolling six months up to age 25

Can cover food, toiletries, utilities. The offer is open to age 25 but Post 21 it is expected the demand will reduce

Incentive payments

£50

Maximum of 4 up to age 25

Needs to be linked to achievement set out in pathway plan

Higher Education Bursary

£13,800 Total, £4,600 per year based on 3 years study

Once up to age 25 to cover degree course

Money can be paid weekly, monthly or termly in advance

Vacation accommodation

Local Housing Allowance rate

Up to age 25

Can be paid when unable to stay in term time accommodation during break.

HE Celebration Award

£2,000

Up to age 25 (or upon completion of degree)

Celebration award paid when confirmation of degree achievement verified

Degree Presentation Ceremony

Cost of 2 tickets and gown hire

Up to age 25 (or upon completion of degree)

Can be paid in preparation for award ceremony

Post Graduate Studies

£2,000

Once up to age 25

Can be used to support post graduate study for example Masters

Claiming benefits at 18

2 weeks at universal credit rate

Once if claiming benefits at age 18

2 weeks allowance paid at current UC rate if making a benefit claim at 18

Ask Jan Membership

£65

Up to age 25

Initial offer for 1 year, can be extended via PA if found useful

British Citizenship

£1800

Up to age 25

We will support you to gain British Citizenship if this is possible

Item

Amount

Regularity

More information

Setting up Home Grant

£3,000

Once

Can be accessed when needed up to age of 25

Birthday Gift

£80 for 18th & 21st

£35 for 19th & 20th

£20 for 22nd – 25th

You need to be in touch with us to receive this

Gift, voucher or activity based on your preference up to age 25

Birthday meal up to age 21

£60 for 18th & 21st

£40 for 19th & 20th

You need to be in touch with us to receive this

Meal with personal adviser or activity based on preference up to age 21

Christmas / Eid Celebration

£35 up to age 21 and

£20 up to age 25

Once a year if in touch with us

Dependant on your cultural beliefs up to age 25

Christmas / Eid Celebration for their children

£20

Once a year if in touch with us

If children are living with their parent/s up to parents age of 25

Council Tax Exemption

Full amount not covered by benefits

Up to age of 25

Covers any care leaver living in Gloucestershire up to age 25 and Gloucestershire care leavers living out of area if unable to access local support.

Rent in advance

First month’s rent

Once up to age 25

We will cover the first month’s rent when moving into independent accommodation.

Accommodation Deposit

Deposit amount

Once up to age of 25

We will cover the deposit if unable to access a deposit bond scheme

Broadband

£300

Once up to age of 25

We will cover the first years Broadband costs. Ongoing support can be considered via the care leavers additional funding panel

Rent support when in Supported Accommodation and working

Usually up to £100 per week

For up to six months up to age 25

Support with rent payments if you start working while living in supported accommodation to help offset high rent costs

Mobile phones / laptops

Considered via additional funding panel

Up to age 25

Care leavers additional funding panel will consider digital inclusivity funding requests for equipment

Free Prescriptions

Cost of prescription

Up to age 25

Covers any care leaver living in Gloucestershire up to age 25 and Gloucestershire care leavers living out of area if unable to access local support

Eye Care

Cost of eye test and glasses in line with NHS costs

Up to age 25

Covers any care leaver living in Gloucestershire up to age 25 and Gloucestershire care leavers living out of area.

Dental Care

Costs of dental treatment in line with NHS costs

Up to age 25

Covers any care leaver living in Gloucestershire up to age 25 and Gloucestershire care leavers living out of area.

Key documents including Passport, Birth Certificate & Provisional Driving Licence

Costs of documents

Once up to age 25

Can be accessed or renewed once as care leaver

Driving Lessons

£300

Once up to age 25

Can be accessed if able to show ability to continue driving lessons, financial viability.

Driving Theory Test

Cost of test

Once up to age 25

Can be accessed when ready to book theory test

Practical driving Test

Cost of test

Once up to age 25

Can be accessed when ready to book driving test

Travel Card

Covers costs 100 free trips, can be extended when in education or training

Once for 100 trips, support for education and training can be accessed up to age 25

Travel can also include support for first month when gaining employment. Alternatively you can request push bike and safety equipment as alternative to travel card

Travel Documents

Up to £180

Up to age 25

To support asylum seekers to be able to travel when granted status to stay in the UK

Specialist Clothing or equipment linked to education, training or employment

Cost of essential clothing and / or equipment

Up to age 25

Needs for clothing or equipment will be covered if not able to be covered via specialist grant or other funding source

Clothing for job interviews or particular occasions, weddings, funerals etc.

Up to £100

Up to age 25

Once for particular purpose.

In custody

£20

Monthly up to age of 25

We will provide a £20 per month allowance when in custody. Birthday and celebratory allowances will be saved for when you are released

Emergency assistance

Up to £75

Maximum of 4 times in a rolling six months up to age 25

Can cover food, toiletries, utilities. The offer is open to age 25 but Post 21 it is expected the demand will reduce

Incentive payments

£50

Maximum of 4 up to age 25

Needs to be linked to achievement set out in pathway plan

Higher Education Bursary

£13,800 Total, £4,600 per year based on 3 years study

Once up to age 25 to cover degree course

Money can be paid weekly, monthly or termly in advance

Vacation accommodation

Local Housing Allowance rate

Up to age 25

Can be paid when unable to stay in term time accommodation during break.

HE Celebration Award

£2,000

Up to age 25 (or upon completion of degree)

Celebration award paid when confirmation of degree achievement verified

Degree Presentation Ceremony

Cost of 2 tickets and gown hire

Up to age 25 (or upon completion of degree)

Can be paid in preparation for award ceremony

Post Graduate Studies

£2,000

Once up to age 25

Can be used to support post graduate study for example Masters

Claiming benefits at 18

2 weeks at universal credit rate

Once if claiming benefits at age 18

2 weeks allowance paid at current UC rate if making a benefit claim at 18

Ask Jan Membership

£65

Up to age 25

Initial offer for 1 year, can be extended via PA if found useful

British Citizenship

£1800

Up to age 25

We will support you to gain British Citizenship if this is possible

We want to help you build the future you want, whether that’s through college, university, an apprenticeship, a training course, or a job.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. We’ll support you to explore your options and make a plan that works for you. This will be written into your pathway plan.

If you go to college (further education):

  • We’ll help you apply for the 16–19 bursary fund
  • We can support you with a bus pass or even a bike and safety gear to get to college
  • We’ll help you get any special equipment or clothing you need for your course

If you go to university:

  • We’ll support you to visit universities for open days and interviews
  • You’ll get help from a specialist education worker to plan and apply
  • We’ll help you apply for student loans for tuition and living costs
  • We’ll support you to apply for grants and extra funding from charities and trusts
  • You’ll get a £4,600 bursary each year (up to £13,800 over 3 years)
  • If you can’t stay in student housing during holidays, we’ll help with vacation accommodation
  • You’ll receive a £2,000 achievement award when you finish your degree
  • We’ll help cover the cost of 2 graduation tickets and gown hire
  • If needed, we can act as a guarantor for your student accommodation

If you do an apprenticeship:

  • We’ll help with travel costs
  • If your pay is below minimum wage, we’ll top it up
  • We’ll help you apply for the £3,000 care leaver apprenticeship bursary
  • We’ll support you to get any tools, clothing, or equipment you need

If you take a training course:

  • We’ll help with travel costs
  • We’ll support you to get any equipment or clothing needed for the course

If you get a job:

  • We’ll help with travel costs for your first month
  • We’ll support you to get any clothing or equipment needed for your role

We want to help you build the future you want, whether that’s through college, university, an apprenticeship, a training course, or a job.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. We’ll support you to explore your options and make a plan that works for you. This will be written into your pathway plan.

If you go to college (further education):

  • We’ll help you apply for the 16–19 bursary fund
  • We can support you with a bus pass or even a bike and safety gear to get to college
  • We’ll help you get any special equipment or clothing you need for your course

If you go to university:

  • We’ll support you to visit universities for open days and interviews
  • You’ll get help from a specialist education worker to plan and apply
  • We’ll help you apply for student loans for tuition and living costs
  • We’ll support you to apply for grants and extra funding from charities and trusts
  • You’ll get a £4,600 bursary each year (up to £13,800 over 3 years)
  • If you can’t stay in student housing during holidays, we’ll help with vacation accommodation
  • You’ll receive a £2,000 achievement award when you finish your degree
  • We’ll help cover the cost of 2 graduation tickets and gown hire
  • If needed, we can act as a guarantor for your student accommodation

If you do an apprenticeship:

  • We’ll help with travel costs
  • If your pay is below minimum wage, we’ll top it up
  • We’ll help you apply for the £3,000 care leaver apprenticeship bursary
  • We’ll support you to get any tools, clothing, or equipment you need

If you take a training course:

  • We’ll help with travel costs
  • We’ll support you to get any equipment or clothing needed for the course

If you get a job:

  • We’ll help with travel costs for your first month
  • We’ll support you to get any clothing or equipment needed for your role

Your health and happiness matter. We’re here to help you look after both your body and your mind and we’ll support you to get the help you need when you need it.

Here’s what we can offer:

  • Health Passport - before you turn 18, you’ll get a summary of your health history to keep
  • Registering with a doctor - we’ll help you sign up with a GP and other health services when you move
  • Appointments - we can help you get to hospital or doctor’s appointments
  • Free healthcare - we’ll help you access free prescriptions, eye care, and dental treatment until you’re 25
  • Mental health support - we’ll help you find adult services that support your emotional wellbeing
  • Ask Jan membership - you’ll get free access to Ask Jan, which includes:
    • 24/7 support from a mental health professional (phone, live chat, WhatsApp, email, or text)
    • Up to 8 counselling sessions (in person, online, or by phone)
    • Wellbeing content to help with fitness, nutrition, and mental health
    • Financial advice for budgeting and managing money
    • Legal advice on things like housing, family, and consumer rights
    • Life coaching to build confidence, manage time, and plan your career
    • Discounts on shopping, food, entertainment, and more
    • A birthday e-card every year
    • Access to a private Ask Jan Facebook group for tips and updates

Speak up – if you’re struggling, tell us. We’ll help you get the right support.

Join in – you’ll be invited to voice events and activities to connect with others.

Stay connected – we’ll help you keep in touch with family and friends. If they live far away in the UK, we can help with public transport costs to visit them (up to twice a year).

Your health and happiness matter. We’re here to help you look after both your body and your mind and we’ll support you to get the help you need when you need it.

Here’s what we can offer:

  • Health Passport - before you turn 18, you’ll get a summary of your health history to keep
  • Registering with a doctor - we’ll help you sign up with a GP and other health services when you move
  • Appointments - we can help you get to hospital or doctor’s appointments
  • Free healthcare - we’ll help you access free prescriptions, eye care, and dental treatment until you’re 25
  • Mental health support - we’ll help you find adult services that support your emotional wellbeing
  • Ask Jan membership - you’ll get free access to Ask Jan, which includes:
    • 24/7 support from a mental health professional (phone, live chat, WhatsApp, email, or text)
    • Up to 8 counselling sessions (in person, online, or by phone)
    • Wellbeing content to help with fitness, nutrition, and mental health
    • Financial advice for budgeting and managing money
    • Legal advice on things like housing, family, and consumer rights
    • Life coaching to build confidence, manage time, and plan your career
    • Discounts on shopping, food, entertainment, and more
    • A birthday e-card every year
    • Access to a private Ask Jan Facebook group for tips and updates

Speak up – if you’re struggling, tell us. We’ll help you get the right support.

Join in – you’ll be invited to voice events and activities to connect with others.

Stay connected – we’ll help you keep in touch with family and friends. If they live far away in the UK, we can help with public transport costs to visit them (up to twice a year).

We want to help you feel confident managing your money and sorting out important documents as you move into adult life. This support will be written into your pathway plan.

Here’s what we’ll help you with:

  • Opening a bank account and learning how to manage your money, so you can avoid getting into debt
  • Giving you a pre-paid debit card that we can top up when needed
  • Helping you get your National Insurance (NI) number. This is your personal number for work and benefits. We’ll also record it in your pathway plan
  • Supporting you to get important ID documents like your passport, birth certificate, or provisional driving licence.
  • When you turn 18, we’ll help you apply for benefits and give you a bridging allowance for the first 2 weeks
  • You can find more details in the financial support when you leave care section

We want to help you feel confident managing your money and sorting out important documents as you move into adult life. This support will be written into your pathway plan.

Here’s what we’ll help you with:

  • Opening a bank account and learning how to manage your money, so you can avoid getting into debt
  • Giving you a pre-paid debit card that we can top up when needed
  • Helping you get your National Insurance (NI) number. This is your personal number for work and benefits. We’ll also record it in your pathway plan
  • Supporting you to get important ID documents like your passport, birth certificate, or provisional driving licence.
  • When you turn 18, we’ll help you apply for benefits and give you a bridging allowance for the first 2 weeks
  • You can find more details in the financial support when you leave care section

When you turn 21, you can choose whether you want to keep getting support from your personal adviser.

If you do:

  • You and your adviser will agree on what kind of support you want
  • You’ll decide how often you’ll meet or stay in touch
  • Your pathway plan will be updated to reflect what’s been agreed

If you decide to stop support:

  • Your adviser will explain how you can come back for help if you need it — anytime up to your 25th birthday
  • You can ask for help with things like housing, benefits, or even to have a personal adviser again and restart your pathway plan
  • We’ll try to give you the same adviser if you return, but if that’s not possible, we’ll make sure someone else is there for you

Even if you close your support early, you can still get help with things like:

  • Council Tax exemption
  • Free prescriptions
  • Free eye care
  • Free dental care
  • Setting Up Home Grant (if you haven’t used it yet)
  • Ask Jan membership (for job and training support)
  • Housing advice from our housing worker
  • Education, training, and job support from our ETE worker

When you turn 21, you can choose whether you want to keep getting support from your personal adviser.

If you do:

  • You and your adviser will agree on what kind of support you want
  • You’ll decide how often you’ll meet or stay in touch
  • Your pathway plan will be updated to reflect what’s been agreed

If you decide to stop support:

  • Your adviser will explain how you can come back for help if you need it — anytime up to your 25th birthday
  • You can ask for help with things like housing, benefits, or even to have a personal adviser again and restart your pathway plan
  • We’ll try to give you the same adviser if you return, but if that’s not possible, we’ll make sure someone else is there for you

Even if you close your support early, you can still get help with things like:

  • Council Tax exemption
  • Free prescriptions
  • Free eye care
  • Free dental care
  • Setting Up Home Grant (if you haven’t used it yet)
  • Ask Jan membership (for job and training support)
  • Housing advice from our housing worker
  • Education, training, and job support from our ETE worker

We understand that life can still throw challenges your way, and you might want advice or support now and then. We also hope you’ll keep in touch and share your good news or join us for celebrations.

Here’s what we can offer after you turn 25:

  • Help to access English and Maths courses through adult learning
  • Advice and guidance from our duty team if you need someone to talk to
  • Support to connect you with other services that can help
  • We won’t chase you, but we’ll be here whenever you need us

We understand that life can still throw challenges your way, and you might want advice or support now and then. We also hope you’ll keep in touch and share your good news or join us for celebrations.

Here’s what we can offer after you turn 25:

  • Help to access English and Maths courses through adult learning
  • Advice and guidance from our duty team if you need someone to talk to
  • Support to connect you with other services that can help
  • We won’t chase you, but we’ll be here whenever you need us

If you’re a refugee care leaver, we understand that Gloucestershire isn’t your home country and that you may face unique challenges. We’re here to support you.

If you’re waiting for a decision on your asylum claim:

We know this can be a really uncertain and stressful time. While you wait, we’ll make sure you’re supported.

Here’s what we can do for you:

  • Somewhere to live - we’ll make sure you have a safe place to stay
  • Weekly allowance - if you can’t work or claim benefits, we’ll give you money each week (the same as Universal Credit)
  • Stay connected - if you have family in the UK or abroad, we’ll help you keep in touch. This might include phone cards or help with visits
  • Translation support - we’ll provide interpreters for important meetings if you need them
  • Support your identity - we’ll help you stay connected to your culture and background
  • Legal help - we’ll make sure you have the right legal support and connect you with local organisations like GARAS

We will triple plan with you when we complete your pathway plan, this means we work with you to develop future plans based on different possible immigration outcomes:

  • A positive grant of protection status: planning for life when you receive refugee status or another form of protection
  • Waiting for an outcome: supporting you through the uncertainty of long waits, whether it’s at the initial decision stage or during appeals
  • A backup plan if appeals rights are exhausted: preparing for how you can be cared for if your asylum claim is denied and no other legal options are available

This will help you understand what will happen to you through the whole process.

When you get the right to stay in the UK:

  • We’ll support you to apply for British citizenship, up to the age of 25

  • We’ll support you to obtain a travel document, up to the age of 25

For support and information, contact: 

Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (GARAS): www.garas.org.uk 
The Trust Centre, Falkner St, Gloucester, GL1 4SQ.  Call: 01452 550528
Email: info@garas.org.uk

If you’re a refugee care leaver, we understand that Gloucestershire isn’t your home country and that you may face unique challenges. We’re here to support you.

If you’re waiting for a decision on your asylum claim:

We know this can be a really uncertain and stressful time. While you wait, we’ll make sure you’re supported.

Here’s what we can do for you:

  • Somewhere to live - we’ll make sure you have a safe place to stay
  • Weekly allowance - if you can’t work or claim benefits, we’ll give you money each week (the same as Universal Credit)
  • Stay connected - if you have family in the UK or abroad, we’ll help you keep in touch. This might include phone cards or help with visits
  • Translation support - we’ll provide interpreters for important meetings if you need them
  • Support your identity - we’ll help you stay connected to your culture and background
  • Legal help - we’ll make sure you have the right legal support and connect you with local organisations like GARAS

We will triple plan with you when we complete your pathway plan, this means we work with you to develop future plans based on different possible immigration outcomes:

  • A positive grant of protection status: planning for life when you receive refugee status or another form of protection
  • Waiting for an outcome: supporting you through the uncertainty of long waits, whether it’s at the initial decision stage or during appeals
  • A backup plan if appeals rights are exhausted: preparing for how you can be cared for if your asylum claim is denied and no other legal options are available

This will help you understand what will happen to you through the whole process.

When you get the right to stay in the UK:

  • We’ll support you to apply for British citizenship, up to the age of 25

  • We’ll support you to obtain a travel document, up to the age of 25

For support and information, contact: 

Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (GARAS): www.garas.org.uk 
The Trust Centre, Falkner St, Gloucester, GL1 4SQ.  Call: 01452 550528
Email: info@garas.org.uk

If you’re a care leaver and a parent, we’re here to support both you and your child. We want to make sure you have what you need and feel confident in your parenting journey.

Here’s how we can help:

  • We’ll help you get the right benefits and connect you with grants and charities to make sure you have the essentials for you and your baby
  • We’ll work with people who support you (social care, health, housing, and other services) to make sure you get joined-up support
  • We’ll help you find peer support groups and mentoring programmes so you can connect with other young parents
  • We’ll support you to find safe and stable housing
  • We’ll guide you on how to claim child-related benefits
  • We’ll help you set up your home and make it a safe space for your family
  • If you’re finding things tough, we can help you access counselling or therapy, especially if you’re balancing parenting with leaving care or dealing with past experiences
  • We can help with subsidised childcare so you can go to college, training, or work
  • If you’re in a crisis, we can look at giving you emergency financial help

If you’re a care leaver and a parent, we’re here to support both you and your child. We want to make sure you have what you need and feel confident in your parenting journey.

Here’s how we can help:

  • We’ll help you get the right benefits and connect you with grants and charities to make sure you have the essentials for you and your baby
  • We’ll work with people who support you (social care, health, housing, and other services) to make sure you get joined-up support
  • We’ll help you find peer support groups and mentoring programmes so you can connect with other young parents
  • We’ll support you to find safe and stable housing
  • We’ll guide you on how to claim child-related benefits
  • We’ll help you set up your home and make it a safe space for your family
  • If you’re finding things tough, we can help you access counselling or therapy, especially if you’re balancing parenting with leaving care or dealing with past experiences
  • We can help with subsidised childcare so you can go to college, training, or work
  • If you’re in a crisis, we can look at giving you emergency financial help

If you’re in custody, we’ll stay in touch in the way that works best for you, by writing or visiting.

Here’s how we’ll support you:

  • You’ll get £20 each month until you turn 25
  • We’ll save your birthday and celebration money for when you’re released
  • If you’re struggling, we’ll look at ways to offer extra support
  • We’ll help you stay in touch with family and friends
  • We’ll be part of your resettlement planning to help you prepare for release
  • We’ll work with the professionals supporting you — but only with your permission
  • We’ll make a release plan with you, so you know what to expect

If you’re in custody, we’ll stay in touch in the way that works best for you, by writing or visiting.

Here’s how we’ll support you:

  • You’ll get £20 each month until you turn 25
  • We’ll save your birthday and celebration money for when you’re released
  • If you’re struggling, we’ll look at ways to offer extra support
  • We’ll help you stay in touch with family and friends
  • We’ll be part of your resettlement planning to help you prepare for release
  • We’ll work with the professionals supporting you — but only with your permission
  • We’ll make a release plan with you, so you know what to expect

As a care leaver, your voice matters. You have the right to speak up, be listened to, and understand the support available to you. There are lots of ways you can get involved and help shape the services for care leavers.

Advocacy – Someone on your side

You can get support from an advocate. An advocate is someone who listens to you, stands up for you, and helps you speak up about what matters to you.

An advocate can:

  • Help you say how you feel and what you want
  • Explain your rights and what support you should get
  • Help you understand information and decisions
  • Support you if you feel like no one is listening
  • Help you speak up if you’re not happy with the service you’re getting
  • Go to meetings with you
  • Make sure your views are heard
  • Help explain what professionals are saying

Advocates are independent, they don’t work for the council, and the service is free.

To get an advocate, ask your social worker, personal adviser, or contact Reconstruct directly:
0800 3891 571
advocacy.gloucestershire@reconstruct.co.uk

Other ways to share your views

  • Mind of My Own is an app that helps you share your thoughts with the people who support you
  • Become and Coram Voice  are national organisations that offer free advice and support for care leavers

Care leavers forum

Gloucestershire has forums where care leavers can meet, share ideas, and help improve services. These are part of Voice Gloucestershire.

You can:

  • Join the 16+ Forum
  • Drop in to the Peer Mentoring session every Wednesday, 12pm to 2pm at The Hideaway in Gloucester
  • Meet care-experienced ambassadors who help run the sessions and can tell you how to become one too
  • Take part in national groups like the Young People’s Benchmarking Forum (YPBMF) – a group of care-experienced young people from across England

These groups don’t just talk – they also do activities and events

Want to get involved?
Talk to your personal adviser, come to a drop-in session, or email the Participation Team:
📧 cypvoice@gloucestershire.gov.uk

As a care leaver, your voice matters. You have the right to speak up, be listened to, and understand the support available to you. There are lots of ways you can get involved and help shape the services for care leavers.

Advocacy – Someone on your side

You can get support from an advocate. An advocate is someone who listens to you, stands up for you, and helps you speak up about what matters to you.

An advocate can:

  • Help you say how you feel and what you want
  • Explain your rights and what support you should get
  • Help you understand information and decisions
  • Support you if you feel like no one is listening
  • Help you speak up if you’re not happy with the service you’re getting
  • Go to meetings with you
  • Make sure your views are heard
  • Help explain what professionals are saying

Advocates are independent, they don’t work for the council, and the service is free.

To get an advocate, ask your social worker, personal adviser, or contact Reconstruct directly:
0800 3891 571
advocacy.gloucestershire@reconstruct.co.uk

Other ways to share your views

  • Mind of My Own is an app that helps you share your thoughts with the people who support you
  • Become and Coram Voice  are national organisations that offer free advice and support for care leavers

Care leavers forum

Gloucestershire has forums where care leavers can meet, share ideas, and help improve services. These are part of Voice Gloucestershire.

You can:

  • Join the 16+ Forum
  • Drop in to the Peer Mentoring session every Wednesday, 12pm to 2pm at The Hideaway in Gloucester
  • Meet care-experienced ambassadors who help run the sessions and can tell you how to become one too
  • Take part in national groups like the Young People’s Benchmarking Forum (YPBMF) – a group of care-experienced young people from across England

These groups don’t just talk – they also do activities and events

Want to get involved?
Talk to your personal adviser, come to a drop-in session, or email the Participation Team:
📧 cypvoice@gloucestershire.gov.uk

You have the right to see the information Gloucestershire County Council has about you.
This includes your files and records from when you were in care, such as notes written by children’s social care.

If you’d like to look at your records, your personal adviser can help. Talk to them about what support is available to guide you through the process.

You have the right to see the information Gloucestershire County Council has about you.
This includes your files and records from when you were in care, such as notes written by children’s social care.

If you’d like to look at your records, your personal adviser can help. Talk to them about what support is available to guide you through the process.

The Leaving Care Teams

The leaving care teams are made up of: 
•    Team Manager
•    Advanced Practitioner
•    Senior Leaving Care Personal Adviser 
•    Personal Advisers
•    An Accommodation and Housing worker
•    An education, Training and Employment worker

Leaving Care Team 1 and 2

Shire Hall, Westgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2TG

01452 426325

Leavingcareteam1@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Leavingcareteam2@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Leaving Care Team 3 and 4

Redwood House, Beeches Green, Stroud, GL5 4EA

01452 426528              

Leavingcareteam3@gloucestershire.gov.uk            

Leavingcareteam4@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Leaving Care Team 5 and 6

Grosvenor Hall, Grosvenor Street, Cheltenham, GL52 2SG  

01452 426090

Leavingcareteam5@gloucestershire.gov.uk            

Leavingcareteam6@gloucestershire.gov.uk            

Staying Close Team                

 

Trevone House, 22 Denmark Road, Gloucester, GL1 3HZ

 

01452 426325

 

stayingcloseteam@gloucestershire.gov.uk 

 

Other useful contacts               

 

Rees Foundation: Provides small grants for care leavers aged 18-25

The Care Leavers Association: A charity aimed at improving the lives of care leavers

Coram Voice: A charity supporting Children in Care and Care Leavers. Freephone 0808 800 5792 or WhatsApp +44 (0)7758 670369

Become: Online advice and information for care leavers

Propel: Information on what support is available for care leavers at university

Shelter: Provides housing advice

National government benefits calculator: Information on benefits

Citizens Advice Bureau: Information about money, benefits, your rights, employment, housing and the law.

Care Leavers Covenant: is a national inclusion programme that supports care leavers aged 16-25. The Care Leavers' Covenant was established in 2018 as part of the Government’s Keep on Caring’ policy aimed at supporting young people leaving care.

Crisis Team NHS Together Trust: 0800 1690398

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital: 0300 422 2222

Job Centre Plus: 0345 604 3719

Let’s Talk - Are you stressed, anxious or depressed? 0800 073 2200

NHS: 111

Police (non emergency): 101

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre Gloucestershire: 01452 526770 

Samaritans: 116 123

Talk to Frank for support with substance misuse: 0300 123 660

Young Gloucestershire 01452 501008

National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum 

The Leaving Care Teams

The leaving care teams are made up of: 
•    Team Manager
•    Advanced Practitioner
•    Senior Leaving Care Personal Adviser 
•    Personal Advisers
•    An Accommodation and Housing worker
•    An education, Training and Employment worker

Leaving Care Team 1 and 2

Shire Hall, Westgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2TG

01452 426325

Leavingcareteam1@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Leavingcareteam2@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Leaving Care Team 3 and 4

Redwood House, Beeches Green, Stroud, GL5 4EA

01452 426528              

Leavingcareteam3@gloucestershire.gov.uk            

Leavingcareteam4@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Leaving Care Team 5 and 6

Grosvenor Hall, Grosvenor Street, Cheltenham, GL52 2SG  

01452 426090

Leavingcareteam5@gloucestershire.gov.uk            

Leavingcareteam6@gloucestershire.gov.uk            

Staying Close Team                

 

Trevone House, 22 Denmark Road, Gloucester, GL1 3HZ

 

01452 426325

 

stayingcloseteam@gloucestershire.gov.uk 

 

Other useful contacts               

 

Rees Foundation: Provides small grants for care leavers aged 18-25

The Care Leavers Association: A charity aimed at improving the lives of care leavers

Coram Voice: A charity supporting Children in Care and Care Leavers. Freephone 0808 800 5792 or WhatsApp +44 (0)7758 670369

Become: Online advice and information for care leavers

Propel: Information on what support is available for care leavers at university

Shelter: Provides housing advice

National government benefits calculator: Information on benefits

Citizens Advice Bureau: Information about money, benefits, your rights, employment, housing and the law.

Care Leavers Covenant: is a national inclusion programme that supports care leavers aged 16-25. The Care Leavers' Covenant was established in 2018 as part of the Government’s Keep on Caring’ policy aimed at supporting young people leaving care.

Crisis Team NHS Together Trust: 0800 1690398

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital: 0300 422 2222

Job Centre Plus: 0345 604 3719

Let’s Talk - Are you stressed, anxious or depressed? 0800 073 2200

NHS: 111

Police (non emergency): 101

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre Gloucestershire: 01452 526770 

Samaritans: 116 123

Talk to Frank for support with substance misuse: 0300 123 660

Young Gloucestershire 01452 501008

National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum