How we can help

Accommodation

If you need help in accessing accommodation, the project has links with key accommodation providers in the Manchester area. Options include various hostels and supported housing schemes, lodgings, manchester foyer, private housing association and council tenancies.

Benefits and finance

In accordance with the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 the local authority is responsible for the payment of housing and living costs for care leavers age 16 and 17. Within the project we have a payment system to cover housing costs, living expenses, birthday and Christmas monies, travel costs, incentives and other one off payments.

For young people aged 18+ service staff are familiar with the main benefits payable through the Department of Social Security. Help is regularly given to young people to complete claim forms and access benefits. These include job seekers allowance, income support, child benefit, community care grants and disability living allowance. Assistance is also given with housing benefit claims.

Advice and assistance about money management in general is also provided

Health

The project can advise young people on various health matters, and can help them to register with a GP and a dentist in the area in which they are currently living. Help is given to make and attend appointments if necessary.

Employment, education and training

At Barnardo's Manchester Leaving Care project it is our intention to help young people in any way we can to obtain and maintain employment, education and training. We have built up networks with Manchester careers service, colleges and local training providers to create opportunities for young people leaving care. The project itself employs two young people who have been in care as trainee leaving care workers. Barnardo's Manchester Leaving Care project also has a 'sister' project called Making It Work which is particularly aimed at helping young care leavers into paid employment.

Information for young people

The project has devised a comprehensive information pack for service users covering all our activities, which is available on request. Examples include various booklets on money, health and accommodation options, as well as videos and other materials made by young people themselves about their experiences of leaving care.

Personal support

As important as the practical help provided is, the personal support necessary to help young people cope with the problems they may face, and combat the isolation and loneliness that sometimes comes with living on their own for the first time.The project has its own counselling service, and where possible actively helps young people to repair their relationships with family and friends.

Volunteers

The service has a number of volunteers who assist young people in various ways, eg befriending, helping with household tasks, decorating, and leisure activities. Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a volunteer and would like more details on recruitment, training and the support offered.