Being connected and having access to people and places in and around the area you live is important, it helps you stay connected and be part of the community around you. How you can be an active participant in society and the things which go on in your community.
When you move somewhere new it is always helpful to think about what is on offer in your local area so taking the time to talk about this and work with your Pathway Advisor (PA) and others to plan how you familiarise yourself is important. You can plan this with your PA and make sure it forms part of your pathway plan.
Living independently and transitioning throughout adulthood can be exciting but can also be lonely and isolating. Whilst we recognise this can be great and you have your own space and independence you also tell us it can have a negative impact on how you feel and cope on a day-to-day basis. There are services and support out there and accessing it to keep connected to people and places.
Getting out there
Calling in to family centres, local community centres, churches and searching on local community neighbourhood WhatsApp groups can really help you get a feel for what’s going on in your local area.
There are usually things to do and be part of from Park Runs, to social groups, environmental groups, and exercise clubs, even community garden schemes. It is always helpful to have a look about and be part of getting the posts to see what’s happening. Sometimes the first steps can be the hardest and making new friends is not easy at first, it takes times so stick with it.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to get out and about and meet people. It gives structure and keeps you connected with people and places. Some young people tell us that working too many hours can impact upon your benefits but by volunteering you can work, meet people and gain the experiences this brings without it impacting upon you financially. As well as doing your own research on which places offer volunteering opportunities in your local community you can also link in with your PA during one of your visits to focus on searching and ringing around to find out what to do next.
If you want to start or learn more about volunteering, Indeed volunteering gives information on:
- the 10 benefits of volunteering
- helping you choose the type of volunteering which suites you the most
- the 13 steps to becoming a volunteer
- tips on building your confidence
- how to write a CV
- learning about the best places to volunteer and the best websites to use
Voting
Once you are 18 you will be able to vote. This means you can have your say on local and national issues. We will make sure that you have identification and help you register to vote. If you are not already registered to vote then either log on to the link below and work through the steps to become registered or add it to your pathway plan so you and your PA are taking the right steps forward to become registered.
When you move home you need to let the council know your change of address so you are registered to vote from that address.
Find out more about how to vote on the Electoral Commission website.
Getting about
Being able to travel about is important and becoming independent helps you be part of society.
Learning to drive or getting your motorcycle licence. We will support you with:
- getting your driving licence (which is a brilliant ID document too and worth getting even if you don’t plan on driving quite yet)
- doing your theory test and the tools to study for this
- supporting you with your lessons
- doing your driving test
Planning the routes
Moving to a new place, planning to move or thinking about where you want to live next or going somewhere new takes planning and preparation. Take your time to think about local bus and train routes from where you are and where you need to go. It sounds simple but joining up work, friends, and families and where you live needs travel planning.
The Stagecoach website helps you plan your journey by bus.
As part of thinking about where you travel too and from look into the cheapest ways to do this, sometimes daily passes end up costing more than planning and looking to purchase weekly or monthly passes. And if you are a student or have a concession pass you can get a cheaper deal.
Don’t forget to check out what is in the financial offer regarding travel as this will spell out what you are entitled too.
Meeting other care experienced young people
Staying connected with other care experienced young people can help you feel like you belong. We have a range of different social groups or drop ins which are there to support you to stay connected and be an active member of society.
Ask your PA about the different care experienced participation and consultation groups which are on offer. Look at becoming part of shaping the vision and future for cared for and care experienced young people.
But if consultation and participation is not your thing and you just want to socialise as your PA about the following groups:
Coffee and Craic
Check out the Whitehaven, Workington and Carlisle weekly drop in’s where you can see one of the PA’s to get some support, learn more about what is on offer or simply check in for a drink and chat
Unaccompanied and Separated Social Care Experienced Social Group
This group runs every three weeks in the Carlisle area and is a great opportunity for people to come together and chat, cook, share, and do and for you to make and see friends and peers.
Brighter futures group
This group is the opportunity for care experienced parents to come together and socialise with your babies and children, learning from each other, sharing what works and just being a care experienced parent. Based in the Carlisle area this group meets every three weeks and is the newest group.
For this group and details on other groups and activities ask your PA or keep an eye out for the keeping connected cards which are posted out, so you know what’s happening. Don’t forget to keep us updated on any changes in addresses and mobile numbers otherwise we lose touch if we are not always in touch.
Also have a think about being active or looking at what is on offer nationally as part of the national bench marking forum - there is loads going on there and it’s a useful site to help you link in with other care experienced young people.
Keeping connected
The lead up towards your 21st birthday can be an exciting time, but it can also be a time of worry about what happens next. As a care experienced young person you are entitled to continued PA support until you are 25 years of age.
It’s important that you feel able to have the support when you need it, and this mean you dip in and out of the social events and that you see your PA less frequently, but you are comfortable in knowing they are there when you need them.
We operate a opt out approach so if you really don’t want your PA to stay connected you can request to opt out which means we will not visit or be actively involved but we will keep you informed of where we are and how to get in touch if you change your mind. We will keep connected by writing to you at least once a year with a gentle reminder that we are here for you when your ready to get in touch.
If you haven’t been in touch for a while, or you have previously told us you don’t want support, but you have changed your mind we are still there for you right up until you are 25 so, please do get in touch with us. You get in touch by calling us on either of the duty phone number and we will be happy to talk to you or sign post you to the right service if needs be.
Cumbria House Team
Telephone: 01228 221541
Email: Leavingcarecarlisleandeden@cumberland.gov.uk
West Cumbria House Team:
Telephone: 01900 706 034
Email: Leavingcareallerdaleandcopeland@cumberland.gov.uk