New Support Available For West Sussex Care Leavers

Tuesday, 25 October 2022 10:42

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

A new package of support and advice for care leavers in West Sussex is being launched during National Care Leavers Week which runs until Friday (October 28).

As part of this, a new website created specifically for care leavers is now live.

It provides all the information young people need as they move out of care and into independence, the support and financial help they’re entitled to and the ways West Sussex County Council’s Leaving Care Service is available to them.

The enhanced Local Offer has been developed with care leavers and partners to make it easy to use and includes:

• Increased housing support, the council acting as a guarantor, paying rent and deposits in advance and help with moving
• Financial support to help care leavers visit their families and attend religious and cultural events
• Free and discounted gym membership and use of leisure centres
• Extra help for young parents with essential items.

New welcome packs are also being given to children who are about to leave care.

The packs have been created by care experienced young people on our advisory board, and include ‘things I wish I’d known when I left care’, along with a bag, a water bottle and other useful items.

West Sussex County Council’s Leaving Care Service supports young people who have been in care as they move into adulthood, helping them prepare to live independent lives that are healthy, happy and safe.

The service works with young people aged 17-25, with each allocated a personal advisor who helps with their health and wellbeing and with practical things like finances, housing, relationships, education and employment.

Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

“We believe we now have one of the most comprehensive offers for care leavers in the country.

"It has been created alongside our young people, so we’ve been able to include the things that they have told us will help to make their lives better.

“Our care leavers have achieved some truly exceptional things this year, so we rightly celebrate them.

"Many have had the most difficult start in life, but because of their determination and bravery, where they started doesn’t define where they’re going.”