Lifelong Links guides

Am I eligible?

You are eligible for Lifelong Links if you are aged between 18 and 25 years and are care experienced.

What is it?

Lifelong Links is a service that can bring together people you want to connect with and help you build lasting relationships. These can be people you know well but have not seen for a while (like a neighbour or a teacher), or even family members you have not yet met.

How can it help me?

A Lifelong Links Co-ordinator can work closely with you to contact friends, family members, and associates of your choice, and to create a network you can turn to for support. You can also learn more about your family history and even find answers to questions you might have.

What is a Lifelong Links Family Group Conference?

A Lifelong Links Family Group Conference is a meeting between you, your chosen friends and family members, and your Lifelong Links Co-ordinator. Your Lifelong Links Coordinator will be able to give you all the information you need about how the Lifelong Links Family Group Conference will work, and will spend time preparing for this with you beforehand.

What is the purpose of a Lifelong Links Family Group Conference?

Those present at your Lifelong Links Family Group Conference will help you to make your individual Lifelong Links Plan. This will support you:

• to have lasting relationships you can depend on,
• to be clear about who is responsible for staying in touch and how this will happen,
• to learn more about your history and to develop a stronger sense of your identity.
• to know who you can turn to for emotional and practical support.

Who will attend your Lifelong Links Family Group Conference?

This will vary but will usually include you and anyone you have chosen to contact, remain in contact with, or re-unite with via the Lifelong Links process. Your Lifelong Links Co-ordinator and PA will also attend but will not stay during the private family time part of the meeting.

What happens after the Family Group Conference?

Your PA will work with you and your support network to ensure that your plan is safe and that it is carried out. Your plan will become part of your Pathway Plan and the overall support in place for you as you continue your transition to independence. A Review Lifelong Links Family Group Conference will be offered to you to make sure your plan is working well. Your plan will also be regularly reviewed by your PA.

Remember it is your choice

Lifelong Links will only happen with your agreement. If you change your mind about being involved at any time, you can tell your Personal Advisor (PA), your PA’s Team Leader, or your Lifelong Links Co-ordinator.