The Southend care leavers local offer
The current care leaver offer covers a wide range of support. This is provided for by the Care Leaver budget. The offer is designed to cover all aspects of our care leavers lives as they make their way into adult life.
We are committed to making sure that care leavers get priority services.
This support:
- will better help you to prepare for adulthood and independence
- continues for as long as you want up until you are 25 years old
As corporate parents, we:
- take our duties toward care leavers very seriously, and
- are committed to providing the best possible support to meet your individual needs
We also aim to identify and promote what is working well in your life, by:
- exploring concerns, and
- assessing their impact
This planning (in partnership with you) helps to address any problems.
If you have spent any time in care after your 16th birthday, then it is likely that you will get support from the Care Leavers Team, up to age 25.
We are committed to supporting you having a happy life by helping you to:
- learn the skills to look after yourself independently
- live in safe, secure and suitable accommodation
- be healthy and have knowledge of the services available to you
- engage in education, training or employment
- understand your rights and Southend's responsibilities to you
Our local offer to you
- access to a Leaving Care Grant of up to £3,000 alongside, support from the Local Assistance Scheme (if eligible) to buy:
- white goods
- large electrical goods for the house, such as cookers and washing machines
- furniture
- financial support if you do not have access to benefits
- if you live in Southend, you will not have to pay Council Tax until you are 21 years old
- covering the cost for a passport/travel document, and provisional driving licence
- funding for up to 5 driving lessons, depending on circumstance and need
- access to a Care Leaver Advisor at Southend Job Centre who can help you understand benefit entitlements and gain employment
- debt advice and services, such as Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
- birthdays and festivals allowance
- clothing allowance for interviews
- there is support available with travel costs needed for the given activity
Contact us
If you would prefer, you can visit us in person. The team are available:
- Monday to Thursday 9am to 5:30pm
- Fridays 9am to 4:30pm
You do not need an appointment, and someone will be available to speak with you.
The address is 2 Crowborough Road, Southend-on-Sea Essex SS 26LP.
