Leaving Care

What is a Pathway Plan?

Your Pathway Plan is your plan for the future.

It is similar to a Care Plan, but it focuses on helping you prepare for adulthood and supporting you as you leave care. Your Pathway Plan is an agreement between you and the Local Authority about the support you will receive to help you achieve your goals and become more independent.

Your Pathway Plan can continue to support you until you are 25 years old if you need it.

The plan should be built around you, your wishes, your goals and the things that matter most to you.

Who will help you?

As a care experienced young person, you have people around you who can help and support you.

This might include:

• Your Social Worker

• Your Personal Advisor (PA)

• Your foster carer or residential worker

• Teachers, tutors or college staff

• Family members and trusted adults

• Advocacy services

Your Personal Advisor will work closely with you to help you plan for the future, understand your options and access the support you are entitled to.

If you would like someone independent to help you share your views, you can also ask about advocacy services.

What is included in a Pathway Plan?

Your Pathway Plan should cover all the important areas of your life and help you prepare for adulthood.

Together, you will talk about:

Education, Training and Employment

• Your goals and ambitions

• School, college, university or training opportunities

• Finding work, apprenticeships or volunteering opportunities

Where You Live

• Where you would like to live in the future

• The type of accommodation that is right for you

• Support available when moving into your own home

Family, Friends and Relationships

• Keeping in touch with people who are important to you

• Building positive relationships and support networks

Independent Living Skills

• Cooking and looking after yourself

• Managing a home

• Learning practical life skills

• Building confidence and independence

Money and Financial Support

• Benefits and allowances you may be entitled to

• Budgeting and managing money

• Financial support available through leaving care services

Health and Wellbeing

• Physical health

• Emotional wellbeing and mental health

• Accessing health services and support

Your Voice Matters

Your Pathway Plan should be created with you, not for you.

You should be listened to and involved in decisions about your future. If there is something you want included in your plan, or something you disagree with, make sure you tell your Personal Advisor or Social Worker.

This is your plan and it should reflect your goals, hopes and ambitions.

Want to Find Out More?

Use the contact form to contact our team

Leaving care is a big step and it's normal to feel excited, nervous or uncertain about what comes next.

Preparing for adulthood isn't something that happens overnight. Your Social Worker and Personal Advisor will work alongside you to help you develop the skills, confidence and support networks you need to become more independent.

The aim is to make sure you feel prepared, informed and supported as you move into the next stage of your life.

Important Documents Checklist

Before leaving care, it is important to make sure you have all the documents and information you may need as an adult.

Your Social Worker or Personal Advisor will help you obtain:

• Your Birth Certificate

• A valid Passport (where appropriate)

• Your National Insurance Number

• A Bank Account

• Information about your Junior ISA

• A Provisional Driving Licence or other photographic identification

Keep these documents somewhere safe, as you may need them for education, employment, housing and accessing services.

Independence Checklist

Becoming independent involves much more than moving into your own home.

Your Pathway Plan will help you prepare for different areas of adult life.

Housing

• Understanding your accommodation options

• Learning how tenancies work

• Managing bills and household responsibilities

• Knowing where to get help if you need it

Money

• Budgeting and managing your finances

• Understanding benefits and entitlements

• Paying bills and rent

• Saving for the future

Education and Training

• Exploring college, university or training opportunities

• Applying for courses

• Accessing bursaries and financial support

• Planning your future goals

Employment

• Building your CV

• Preparing for interviews

• Finding work experience and apprenticeships

• Accessing employability support

Health and Wellbeing

• Registering with a GP, dentist and optician

• Looking after your mental health

• Attending appointments

• Understanding your health needs

Building Your Support Network

No one is expected to do everything on their own.

As you prepare to leave care, it is important to think about the people who can support you.

This might include:

• Your Personal Advisor

• Family members

• Friends

• Former carers

• Teachers or tutors

• Employers

• Health professionals

• Trusted adults

Your support network can help you navigate challenges and celebrate your achievements.

Remember

Leaving care is not the end of support.

Your Personal Advisor will continue to work with you and help you access the services, opportunities and advice you need.

You may be leaving care, but you are not leaving support behind.

Growing up brings new opportunities, responsibilities and choices. If you have additional support needs, it is important that the right support continues to be available as you move into adulthood.

Transitioning to Adult Services means planning ahead so that you have the help you need when you leave children's services. This process should be gradual, giving you time to understand your options and make decisions about your future.

What Are Adult Services?

Adult Services are council and health services that support adults who may need additional help because of:

• A disability

• Learning difficulties

• Physical health needs

• Mental health needs

• Hearing or visual impairments

• Additional support needs that affect daily life

If Adult Services may be able to support you, discussions should start well before you leave children's services so there is a smooth transition.

Your Social Worker, Personal Advisor and other professionals can help you understand what support may be available and whether you are eligible.

Planning Ahead

Good planning is one of the best ways to make the transition into adulthood easier.

You might want to think about:

• Where you want to live

• What support you might need day-to-day

• College, university or training opportunities

• Employment and career goals

• Managing your finances

• Looking after your health and wellbeing

• Building confidence and independence

Your Pathway Plan should include discussions about all of these areas and help identify what support is available.

Managing Your Money

Learning to manage money is an important part of becoming independent.

As part of your Pathway Plan, you may be supported to develop skills such as:

• Creating a budget

• Paying bills on time

• Managing rent and household costs

• Understanding benefits and financial support

• Saving for future goals

• Making informed financial decisions

There may be practical tasks and opportunities to help you build these skills before you move into independent living.

The financial support available to care experienced young people is set out in Wirral's Leaving Care Financial Policy. Your Personal Advisor can explain what support you may be entitled to and help you access it.

Looking After Your Health

Moving into adulthood can be exciting, but it can also feel stressful or overwhelming at times.

Looking after your physical and emotional wellbeing is just as important as planning for housing, education or employment.

This might include:

• Registering with a GP

• Attending health appointments

• Looking after your mental health

• Accessing counselling or emotional support

• Understanding medication and treatment plans

• Maintaining healthy routines and relationships

If you have specific health needs, your Personal Advisor can help connect you with services and professionals who can support you.

Working Together

You are not expected to manage everything on your own.

Many different people may be able to support you during your transition, including:

• Your Personal Advisor

• Your Social Worker

• Adult Services staff

• Health professionals

• Teachers, tutors or college staff

• Carers and trusted adults

• Advocacy services

The more everyone works together, the easier it is to make sure you receive the right support at the right time.

Steps You Can Take

You can play an active role in planning your future.

Arrange a Meeting

Ask your Personal Advisor to arrange a meeting with everyone who can support you. This is an opportunity to talk about your goals, ask questions and discuss what help you might need.

Review Your Plans Regularly

As your circumstances change, your plans may need to change too. Don't be afraid to ask for another meeting if something isn't working or your goals have changed.

Ask Questions

If there is something you don't understand, ask. The people supporting you are there to help you make informed decisions about your future.

Take Part in Your Pathway Plan

Your Pathway Plan is about you, your future and your ambitions. Make sure your views are heard and that your goals are reflected in the plan.

Remember

You don't have to figure everything out at once.

Transitioning to adulthood is a journey, and support is available every step of the way. By planning ahead, asking for help when you need it and taking an active role in your Pathway Plan, you can build the future that is right for you.

Finding the right place to live is one of the biggest parts of becoming independent. It can feel exciting, but it's also normal to feel nervous about moving on from somewhere familiar.

The good news is that you won't be expected to do it on your own. Your Personal Advisor and other professionals will work with you to help you understand your options, prepare for moving and make sure you have the support you need.

Staying Put

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

Stay Put allows you to continue living in a familiar home while you gradually develop the skills and confidence needed for independent living.

You may be able to stay with your foster carers until you are 21 years old, giving you more time to focus on things like education, employment, training and planning for the future.

Talk to your Social Worker or Personal Advisor if you would like to know more about Stay Put.

Preparing for Independent Living

Before moving into your own accommodation, you will have opportunities to develop important life skills, including:

• Managing a budget

• Paying bills and rent

• Cooking meals

• Cleaning and maintaining a home

• Shopping and managing household essentials

• Understanding tenancy agreements

• Accessing local services and support

Your Pathway Plan will help identify any support you may need and the steps you can take to prepare for living independently.

Your Housing Options

There are several different types of accommodation that may be available depending on your age, circumstances and support needs.

Housing Association Accommodation

Housing Associations provide affordable rented homes.

These properties are managed by housing organisations rather than private landlords and often offer secure, long-term accommodation.

Your Personal Advisor can help you understand how housing applications work and what support may be available.

Supported Accommodation

Supported accommodation provides a place to live alongside practical support from trained staff.

This can be a good option if you would benefit from additional help while developing your independence.

Support may include:

• Budgeting and money management

• Accessing education or employment

• Maintaining a tenancy

• Emotional wellbeing support

• Developing independent living skills

Foyer Schemes

Foyers are accommodation projects specifically designed for young people.

As well as providing somewhere to live, they often offer access to:

• Education and training opportunities

• Employment support

• Life skills programmes

• Personal development activities

• Advice and guidance

Foyers can be a great stepping stone towards fully independent living.

Private Rented Accommodation

Private rented accommodation is housing rented from a private landlord.

This may include flats, apartments, houses or shared accommodation.

Before moving into private rented housing, it is important to understand:

• Rent and utility costs

• Tenancy agreements

• Deposits and rent in advance

• Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant

Your Personal Advisor can help you understand what financial support may be available and what to expect when renting privately.

Moving Into Your First Home

Moving into your own place is a significant milestone.

You may be entitled to support with essential items needed to set up your home, depending on your circumstances and local policies.

This could include help with:

• Furniture

• Kitchen equipment

• Bedding

• Household essentials

• Utility set-up costs

Your Personal Advisor can explain what support is available and help you plan ahead.

Remember

There is no rush to have everything figured out straight away.

Finding the right accommodation is about finding somewhere safe, stable and suitable for your needs. Your Personal Advisor will work with you to explore your options, answer your questions and help you take the next step when the time is right.

Your education, training and career goals matter. Whether you are thinking about college, university, an apprenticeship, employment or learning new skills, support is available to help you achieve your ambitions.

Leaving care does not mean leaving support behind. We want you to have the same opportunities as any other young person and to feel confident about taking the next step towards your future.

Thinking About Your Next Step

As you approach the end of school, you may be considering a number of different options, including:

• Further Education (College)

• Sixth Form

• University

• Apprenticeships

• Traineeships

• Employment

• Vocational Training

• Volunteering and Work Experience

There is no single route that is right for everyone. What matters is finding the path that works best for you and your goals.

Your Personal Advisor and other professionals can help you explore your options, understand application processes and make informed decisions about your future.

Going to College or University

Further and Higher Education can open up new opportunities and help you build skills, qualifications and confidence.

Many care experienced young people successfully go on to study at college or university. If this is something you are interested in, support is available to help you understand:

• Course options

• Applications and interviews

• Student finance

• Accommodation

• Financial support available to care leavers

• Settling into student life

The Propel website is a great place to find information about colleges, universities and the support available specifically for care experienced young people.

Support Until You Are 25

As a care leaver, you can continue to receive support beyond the age of 21.

If you are studying in Higher Education, support can continue until you complete your course or reach your 25th birthday.

If you decide to start education or training after the age of 21, you can contact Wirral Council to discuss the support that may be available. This may include personal support, advice and, in some circumstances, financial assistance.

Your journey does not have to follow a set timetable. If you decide to return to education later, support may still be available to help you succeed.

Financial Support

Education and training can bring additional costs, but help may be available.

Depending on your circumstances, support may be available for things such as:

• Course-related costs

• Equipment and learning materials

• Travel expenses

• Accommodation

• Higher education support packages

Your Personal Advisor can explain what support is available and help you access any funding you may be entitled to.

Learning, Skills and Employment Support

The Learning, Skills and Employment Team can help young people aged 16 to 21 think about their next steps and make plans for the future.

They can support you with:

• Career planning

• Finding courses and training opportunities

• Apprenticeship applications

• CV writing

• Interview preparation

• Employment opportunities

• Building confidence and skills

If you're unsure what you want to do next, that's okay. The team can help you explore your options and identify opportunities that match your interests and strengths.

Support Beyond Education

Education is important, but so is building a life that feels fulfilling and rewarding.

The Leaving Care Team can help you develop:

• Confidence and independence

• Social connections and friendships

• Community involvement

• Hobbies and interests

• Practical life skills

• Emotional wellbeing

It can be helpful to keep a record of important information such as contact details, appointment dates, application information and support services. Building your own folder, notebook or digital file can make it easier to stay organised as you move towards independence.

Believe in Your Potential

Being care experienced does not limit what you can achieve.

Many care leavers go on to university, build successful careers, start businesses, work in their communities and achieve goals they once thought were out of reach.

Whatever your ambitions may be, support is available to help you take the next step. Your future belongs to you, and there are people ready to help you achieve it.

We know that choosing what to do after school can feel like a big decision. Whether you are planning to go to college, university, start an apprenticeship or enter employment, there is support available to help you succeed.

Your Personal Advisor will work alongside you to help you explore your options, complete applications and overcome any barriers that may get in the way of achieving your goals.

You don't have to figure everything out on your own.

Personal Employability Support

As a care experienced young person, you may be able to access support from a dedicated Employability Coach.

They can help you with:

• Career planning and goal setting

• Finding education, training and employment opportunities

• Writing and improving your CV

• Completing application forms

• Interview preparation

• Building confidence and employability skills

• Accessing job fairs and employer events

• Preparing for the workplace

The aim is to help you feel confident, prepared and ready for your next step.

Support with College and Training

If you choose to continue your education at college or through a training provider, support may be available to help you access and stay on your course.

This can include:

• Help completing applications

• Support attending interviews and open days

• Advice about available courses

• Help enrolling onto your chosen programme

• Access to computers and internet facilities

• Guidance on financial support and bursaries

Many colleges and training providers offer additional financial support for care experienced young people. Your Personal Advisor can provide the information and supporting evidence you may need to access this funding.

If your course requires specialist equipment, uniforms or resources, additional support may also be available depending on your circumstances.

Thinking About University?

University can be a fantastic opportunity and many care experienced young people go on to achieve great things through Higher Education.

If university is something you are considering, support can include:

• Exploring university options

• Attending university open days

• Support with UCAS applications

• Help completing Student Finance applications

• Information about scholarships and bursaries

• Accessing university mentoring schemes

• Finding suitable accommodation

• Ongoing support during your studies

You can continue to receive support while you are studying and may be entitled to additional financial assistance throughout your course.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn and can be a great route into employment.

Wirral Council works with local employers and partners to help care experienced young people access apprenticeship opportunities.

In some cases, apprenticeship opportunities may be specifically promoted to care experienced young people.

Support is available to help you:

• Search for apprenticeship opportunities

• Complete applications

• Prepare for interviews

• Understand your rights at work

• Develop workplace skills and confidence

Work Experience and Volunteering

Sometimes the first step towards employment is gaining experience.

We can help you access:

• Work experience opportunities

• Volunteering placements

• Work shadowing opportunities

• Community projects

• Career exploration activities

These opportunities can help you build confidence, develop new skills and strengthen future applications.

Practical Support for Employment

Starting work can come with costs, but support may be available to help you get started.

Depending on your circumstances, this may include:

• Help with interview travel costs

• Support with work clothing

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if required

• Advice on workplace rights and responsibilities

• Help understanding wages, tax and budgeting

Your Personal Advisor and Employability Coach will work together to make sure you have the support you need to take advantage of opportunities when they arise.

Your Future Matters

Whatever your goals may be, we want you to have high aspirations and believe in your potential.

Whether your next step is college, university, an apprenticeship, training or employment, there are people ready to support you every step of the way.

Your care experience is part of your story, but it does not limit what you can achieve.

The Care Leaver Covenant is a national programme that helps care experienced young people access opportunities, support and practical help as they move into adulthood.

Hundreds of organisations across the country have signed up to offer exclusive opportunities for care leavers aged 16 to 25.

These opportunities are designed to help you build confidence, develop skills, save money and access experiences that might otherwise be difficult to afford.

What Support Is Available?

The Care Leaver Covenant offers thousands of opportunities from organisations across the UK.

These can include:

Employment Opportunities

• Job vacancies

• Work experience placements

• Apprenticeships

• Career mentoring

• Interview support

Training and Learning

• Skills courses

• Professional qualifications

• Online learning opportunities

• Personal development programmes

Discounts and Savings

• Shopping discounts

• Travel offers

• Technology discounts

• Leisure discounts

Tickets and Experiences

• Sporting events

• Music events

• Attractions and days out

• Cultural activities

Giveaways and Practical Support

• Home starter packs

• Clothing support

• Technology and equipment

• Household items

• Wellbeing resources

Why Should I Sign Up?

The Care Leaver Covenant can help you:

• Save money

• Access new opportunities

• Gain valuable work experience

• Build your confidence

• Learn new skills

• Meet new people

• Support your journey into adulthood

Many opportunities are completely free to access.

What Is Connects?

Connects is the online platform used by the Care Leaver Covenant.

Once registered, you can browse opportunities available across the country and search for support that matches your interests and goals.

New opportunities are added regularly, so it is worth checking back often.

How Do I Register?

Registering is quick and free.

To get started:

1. Visit the Care Leaver Covenant website.

2. Create a Connects account.

3. Verify your care leaver status.

4. Start exploring available opportunities.

If you need help registering, your Personal Advisor can support you through the process.

Local Opportunities

As well as national opportunities, there may be local offers available through Wirral Council and partner organisations.

These could include:

• Apprenticeships

• Employment opportunities

• Training programmes

• Community projects

• Events and activities

• Discounts and practical support

Your Personal Advisor can help you find opportunities that are relevant to your interests and goals.

Make the Most of What's Available

Thousands of care experienced young people across the country are already benefiting from the Care Leaver Covenant.

Whether you're looking for work, training, discounts, support with independent living or simply new experiences, the Care Leaver Covenant is there to help you take the next step towards the future you want.