Care leavers

This page will give you an overview of some of the work Through Care does and the support available to you.

Who are we and what do we do?

The Through Care Service is made up of Social Workers, Personal Advisers (PAs), Children and Families Workers and a Housing Liaison Officer.

Our team provide social work and personal advice to you between the ages of 12 to 25.

Our social workers and personal advisers work with you, as agreed in your Pathway Plan and are passionate about supporting you in all areas of your life.

Our Local Offer

Once you turn 16 you will be given a copy of Coventry's local offer and this will give you an overview of the support on offer to you - now you are near adulthood. You will also have a visit from a Personal Adviser - who will explain what their role is and what their support will look like when you turn 18.

Your Social Worker will work with you until you turn 18 and then you will be supported by your personal adviser. Their support is different to that of a social worker and we want you to make more decisions - you’re in the driving seat, we’re just here to keep you on the road!

Turning 18

Becoming an adult can be a tricky time. Things like leaving school, finding a job, starting a relationship, setting up a home and becoming a parent don’t always happen in order.
For many young people, becoming an adult is a unique journey and people learn life skills differently. We know that it’s a big step and we want to make sure that you feel supported and know where and who to go to for advice and help.

Your home

When you turn 18, your Personal Adviser will help you find the right home for you. You will be supported to explore all your different housing options and will be able to access your setting up home grant (£3000) - once you move into your own home. Whilst you are preparing to live independently, you will have the opportunity to spend time in the training flat and will have priority access to social housing - once you are ready for your own tenancy. You will not have to pay council tax until you are 21 if you are living in Coventry or if we placed you out of the city. You will also be able to access a 70% discount on your water bills if your home is covered by Severn Trent.

Your relationships

As well as support from a Personal Adviser, we want to ensure you have a wide and supportive network of people around you. We can complete a referral to our Lifelong Links service for you and they will support you to reconnect with significant people in your life. As well as this, If you have been a part of our House Project their support will not stop once you turn 18. You will also be able to access support from our Staying Close team if you have moved on from one of our residential homes. In addition to this, if you would like to have continued contact with your IRO you can access their post 18 offer. You may also be able to access some support to see your wider family and this is something you should explore with your Personal Adviser.

Your education and employment

We want you to succeed in your education, employment and training. We will support you in accessing and maintaining education, employment and training in various different ways. You will be supported to attend university open days, buy essential study equipment and access a higher education bursary of £2000. You will be encouraged to access carers' advice and can receive support from our apprenticeship team. We hold a regular panel for those not in education, employment or training and your personal adviser will share your wishes/feelings about your aspirations.

Your health and wellbeing

We will support you in getting the help you need for your physical and mental health. You will be given a 'health passport' when you turn 18 which will provide you with an overview of your health history. You and a guest can access free sports facilities across the city - including the Wave Gym. You will be supported to register at health services near you and you will be encouraged to access services in the local area. You will also have access to 'AskJan' which is a 24-hour service, that provides counselling amongst other support.

See further information about mental health support and what is available.

Your finances

We have a full financial support package available which is set out in Money Matters. Prior to turning 18 you will be supported to open a bank account and to get your national insurance number. In addition to this, your personal adviser will support you to access any savings that have been put aside for you whilst you have been in care.

Your identity

We will make sure the service is a place where everyone can achieve their full potential free from prejudice, discrimination and harassment. We will support you to purchase religious items and will help you celebrate festivals that are important to you. We celebrate all of your differences and will share events/activities with you that recognise diversity. These include: Pride, Black History Month and Religious Festivals. We will also support you in accessing your care records if this is something that you would like to do.

Your voice

We want our young people to be active members of society. We want you to help shape and develop our service - so that it is right for you. You will be able to attend our corporate parenting board to speak directly to elected members. We also hold regular care leaver forums where you can share your wishes and feelings about what the service could do better. You can also share your views via the Mind of My Own application.

Keeping updated

If you want to keep up to date with the latest news, offers and events, email us to request this at dutythroughcare@coventry.gov.uk

Or subscribe to our weekly eNewsletter – Through Care: Connect. This shares the latest job vacancies, events and activities, as well as lots of information and advice to make the most out of life.

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