Housing and Accommodation

Discussions about housing should begin well before you turn 18.

Your wishes, needs and future plans will be discussed as part of your Pathway Plan. Together, you and the people supporting you will look at the different housing options available and decide what is most suitable for your circumstances.

Your accommodation plans will be reviewed regularly and updated as your situation changes.

If you are living with foster carers and both you and your carers agree, you may be able to stay living with them after your 18th birthday through a scheme called Staying Put.

Staying Put allows you to remain in a familiar home environment while gradually developing the skills and confidence needed for independent living.

This can provide stability while you continue with education, training, employment or prepare for your next step.

Talk to your Social Worker or Personal Advisor if you would like to find out more about Staying Put.

Supported Lodgings provide a safe place to live while helping you develop independent living skills.

You will have your own room within a provider's home and receive guidance and support from experienced adults who can help you:

• Build confidence

• Manage money

• Learn practical life skills

• Prepare for independent living

• Access education, training or employment

Supported Lodgings can be a great stepping stone between care and living completely independently.

Some young people benefit from accommodation that includes additional support from staff.

Supported Accommodation may provide help with:

• Budgeting and finances

• Education and employment

• Emotional wellbeing

• Independent living skills

• Managing a tenancy

• Accessing services and support

The level of support available will depend on your individual needs.

Many care experienced young people choose to apply for social housing through Property Pool Plus.

Your Personal Advisor will encourage and support you to register for Property Pool Plus from the age of 16 so that you can begin planning for your future accommodation needs.

They can help you understand the application process and support you when bidding for suitable properties.

Some young people choose to rent accommodation from a private landlord.

Before moving into privately rented accommodation, it is important to understand:

• Rent payments

• Utility bills

• Tenancy agreements

• Deposits

• Tenant responsibilities

• Budgeting for household costs

Your Personal Advisor can help you understand what to expect and ensure you are prepared before signing a tenancy agreement.

Living independently involves much more than having your own front door.

We want you to feel confident managing everyday life.

You may have opportunities to take part in independent living programmes and practical skills sessions that help you learn:

• Cooking and meal planning

• Laundry and cleaning

• Shopping and budgeting

• Managing appointments

• Paying bills

• Looking after your home

• Staying safe

These skills can help make the transition into adulthood much easier.

Support may be available to help you establish and maintain your home.

Depending on your circumstances, this may include:

First Home Grant

You may be entitled to support when setting up your first home. This can help you purchase essential items such as furniture, appliances and household goods.

Rent Guarantor Scheme

If you move into private rented accommodation, you may be eligible for Wirral Council's Rent Guarantor Scheme.

This scheme can help young people access accommodation by providing reassurance to participating landlords.

Speak to your Personal Advisor to find out whether this may be available to you.

Housing Advice

A dedicated housing officer is available through leaving care services to offer advice, guidance and practical support when needed.

If you are a care leaver living in Wirral, you may not have to pay Council Tax until your 25th birthday.

Your Personal Advisor can explain how this works and help ensure you receive any support you are entitled to.

Sometimes housing situations can become difficult or change unexpectedly.

If you are struggling with your accommodation, worried about losing your tenancy or finding it difficult to manage, it is important to speak to your Personal Advisor as soon as possible.

Support may be available to help resolve problems before they become bigger issues.

Remember

A home is more than just a place to live.

It should be somewhere you feel safe, secure and able to build your future.

Whatever stage you are at, support is available to help you find the right accommodation, develop independence and create a place you can truly call home.