The Southend leaving care team is part of Southend-on-Sea City Council Children's Services.
The team includes:
- personal advisors
- team Manager
- service Manager
- head of Service
We all work together to make sure you get the support you need.
Your personal advisor
If you are entitled to leaving care support, you will be matched with a personal advisor from the age of 16.
Your personal advisor will:
- get to know you
- work with you and your social worker
- help you plan for adult life
- support you to reach your goals.
Together, you will create a pathway plan. This is your plan for the future and includes the support you need to achieve your goals.
When you turn 18, your personal advisor becomes your main point of contact and can continue to support you until you are 25.
We know that good relationships matter. Wherever possible, we will make sure you are matched with a personal advisor you feel comfortable with and can trust.
Leaving Care team ambitions
We hold very high ambitions for you and are committed to supporting you to:
- achieve your goals
- have all the skills to live independently (such as budgeting, cooking, looking after yourself)
- be able to make positive decisions to live healthy, fulfilling lives (such as for your safety, health and wellbeing)
- engage in education, training or employment (including apprenticeships and/or university)
- minimise the frequency of teenage parenting
- secure, safe, suitable and affordable housing
- empowering youth voice and encouraging feedback about your experiences
The leaving care home
The leaving care home is a safe place for you.
It belongs to Southend-on-Sea City Council and is here to support care leavers.
You are welcome to drop in during opening hours. You do not need an appointment.
You can visit to:
- talk to someone if you are worried
- ask for advice or support
- celebrate your achievements
- meet your personal advisor
- have a chat and say hello
We want the house to feel welcoming, with:
- a comfortable living room
- a large garden where you can relax
- friendly staff who are ready to help
We also run activities and workshops to help you:
- learn independent living skills
- work towards your goals
- build confidence for adult life
Speak to your personal advisor to find out what activities are coming up.