Leicestershire County Council’s Social Services has the overall responsibility for supporting care leavers. This document details Oadby & Wigston Borough Council’s Care Leaver Offer.
We will work together with officers both within the Council and Leicestershire County Council to support care leavers within the borough.
Am I a Care Leaver?
A care leaver is someone under the age of 25 who has been looked after by the Leicestershire County Council as a child.
If you are a care leaver, Leicestershire County Council Social Services will be able to offer you support and a personal advisor up until you are 25 years of age. When you are leaving care they will develop a pathway plan for you and this will include any support that you might need. They might be able to give you some financial help with the cost of moving or setting-up a new home.
If you are not sure if you are eligible for support, you can contact the duty team on 0116 305 3051 or email cicduty@leics.gov.uk.
Accommodation
If you are a care leaver in need of accommodation, the Housing Options Service:
- will provide you with assistance in line with the Leicestershire Care Leavers Protocol
- will explore suitable housing options for you, including supported accommodation if you are not ready for do not want to have your own tenancy
- may be able to assist you with securing private rented accommodation within the borough
- can assist you with joining the housing register to apply for a Council or Registered Provider tenancy
- may be able to give you priority access to social housing in accordance with our Housing Allocations Policy
If you are homeless, or think you may be at risk of becoming homeless in the next 56 days, please contact the Housing Options Service as soon as possible for further advice and assistance. They can talk to you about your housing situation, housing needs and housing related support needs. And they may be able to help you find a new home.
If you are homeless and are a care leaver, the Housing Options Service might be able to offer you temporary accommodation so that you have somewhere to live whilst you are trying to find a new home.
Tenancy Support / Mediation
The Bridge can offer a mediation service to young people living in the borough who are at risk of becoming homeless. They can also provide you with tenancy support to assist you with managing your tenancy.
Health & Wellbeing
It is important to look after your health & wellbeing. Your physical and mental health are fundamental to you living a happy and healthy life. We will provide a person-centred approach to help you access the best services, that are right for you.
Looking after your health will:
- Reduce the risk of major illnesses
- Improve your mood
- Improve your physical health
- May help you live longer
We have various physical activity opportunities that you can access, details can be found:
Active Oadby and Wigston’s physical activity programmes,
In partnership with Everyone Active, we can offer you a bespoke physical activity. This offer may be gym based but can also include community-based groups such as gardening, walking, water-based sports or supporting you into local sports clubs. The gym based offer must be accessed at Parklands Leisure Centre or Wigston Pool.
To find out more about the scheme or to apply please contact active.together@oadby-wigston.gov.uk
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering can make a real difference in the community and there are many benefits of volunteering:
- Helping to connect with the community
- Improving mental wellbeing
- Learning new skills and experiences
- Meeting new people
Our Active Champions support with the delivery of physical activity, sport and health programmes and campaigns to the community. You may volunteer to lead a walking group, join us at an event, or support one of our programmes.
Everyone is different, so we offer tailored support and a range of opportunities to work best for you. For more information, please visit our website or email volunteering@oadby-wigston.gov.uk
Mental Health Services
Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. Below are links to services that can help you to support positive mental health & wellbeing.
Local Organisations:
National Organisations:
Last updated: Tuesday, 19 July 2022 12:32 pm