Top tips

Be prepared!

Learn how to do practical things like cooking, managing your money etc. But even more importantly it means having had some practice dealing with other people and feeling confident in yourself.

Don't rush to leave care as soon as you can

eg. on your 16th birthday, and then regret it. Don't be pressurised. Be patient and do things in a planned way. Talk to other young people who have left care, been there and done it, and listen to their advice.

Try to live somewhere where you will have support nearby

eg. from family, relatives and friends or some support actually where you are living.

If things go wrong it's not the end of the world

No one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes - though it's good to learn from them!

Barnardo's leaving care