Find out about the 21Plus Service, which offers support for care leavers aged 21 to 24 who were looked after by Nottinghamshire County Council.
You can also download the full Local Offer for Care Leavers 21 Plus Service Offer [PDF].
On this page
- Is it for me?
- What the 21Plus Service can offer you
- What is Nottinghamshire’s Local Offer for Care Leavers?
- Housing
- Being safe, healthy, and happy
- The Achievement Offer
- Finances
- Support for young people seeking asylum
- Things to do: Coffee and Cake drop-in
- Support for young People in or leaving Custody
- Feedback
- Contact us
Is it for me?
The 21Plus Service provides advice, guidance and support to Nottinghamshire care leavers from age 21 up to their 25th birthday.
If you are over 25 and need advice or signposting, the team may still be able to help. This is part of their “always here” approach.
If you're unsure whether you're eligible, call 0115 804 4154 or email 21Plus@nottscc.gov.uk.
If you were looked after by a different local authority, the team can help you get in touch with them to access their Local Offer.
What the 21Plus Service can offer you
The 21Plus Service provides practical support to help you live independently and plan for your future. This can include:
- Getting advice on employment, housing, money or other concerns
- Keeping in regular contact (at least six times a year) by phone, email, newsletters and birthday cards
- Offering advocacy or guidance when needed
- Reviewing your last Pathway Plan if helpful
- Exploring employment, education or training options, including childcare support if you're a parent
- Accessing any remaining Home Establishment Grant to help set up your home
- Getting support with debts or managing your money
- Helping you access the Local Offer for Care Leavers
- Linking you with other organisations that can offer additional support
What is Nottinghamshire’s Local Offer for Care Leavers?
If you are supported by the 21Plus Service, you are also entitled to the Local Offer for Care Leavers.
This includes specialist support for:
- Parents and parents-to-be
- Young people seeking asylum
- Care leavers leaving custody
- Employment, education and training (Achievement Offer)
To find out more, visit Nottinghamshire Care Leavers Local Offer
Or contact the 21Plus Service:
Telephone: 0115 804 4154
Email: 21Plus@nottscc.gov.uk
Housing
As part of the Local Offer for Care Leavers, you can apply for housing in any of Nottinghamshire’s seven districts or boroughs.
If you are offered a tenancy, you will be responsible for looking after the property and paying bills.
If you experience housing difficulties, a homelessness prevention personal adviser can:
- Advocate on your behalf
- Help you explore alternative accommodation options
If you are struggling financially, support is available to help you:
- Contact your landlord, housing provider or creditors about any arrears
- Set up affordable payment plans
- Get financial advice to avoid future problems
The Care Leavers Team also works with local district councils to prevent homelessness and explore emergency accommodation options if needed.
Being safe, healthy, and happy
Looking after your physical and mental health is just as important as you get older.
Physical health and wellbeing
Support is available to help you:
- Register with a doctor, dentist or optician
- Access medical treatment or health services
- Connect with Adult Social Care if you have a disability
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
If you're feeling sad, lonely or struggling with your mental health, you can:
- Speak with a wellbeing worker
- Apply for the You Know Your Mind fund to access activities or items that support your emotional wellbeing
Additional support
- Neurodiverse conditions – Communication and information can be adapted to meet your needs
- LGBTQIA+ support – Resources are available on the Notts LGBT website.
The Achievement Offer
The Achievement Offer is designed to help you achieve your goals through education, training or employment.
Support is available if you are:
- In college, university, an apprenticeship or training
- In work or looking for job opportunities
- Planning your next steps beyond age 25 (in some cases)
The Achievement Service works with the 21Plus Service and other professionals to:
- Help plan your employment, education or training journey
- Review your Pathway Plan
- Complete an Employability Assessment
For more information visit the Notts Help Yourself website or email achievement@nottscc.gov.uk
Finances
Managing money and becoming financially independent can be challenging. Support is available to help you stay on track.
Financial guidance
You can get help with:
- Budgeting and managing debts
- Completing a financial assessment to explore your options
- Contacting the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about Universal Credit or other benefits
Direct financial support
Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to access:
- Any remaining Home Establishment Grant
- Debt solutions and help applying for grants to reduce debts
- Supermarket vouchers or temporary financial support (subject to assessment)
- Funding for specialist equipment related to education or employment
- Support with higher education costs
- Help paying for interview clothing and transport
Support for young people seeking asylum
If you were a child seeking asylum and were in the care of Nottinghamshire (UASC), the 21Plus Service can continue supporting you if:
- You have leave to remain in the UK
- Your asylum claim is still pending
If your leave status means you are not eligible for 21Plus support, the team will explain what this means and help you access legal advice.
If you are eligible for British Citizenship, you may be able to get:
- Help with funding your citizenship application
- Study materials for the Life in the UK test
For more information visit the Notts Help Yourself website or email achievement@nottscc.gov.uk
Things to do: Coffee and Cake drop-in
The monthly Coffee and Cake drop-in is a chance to catch up with a personal adviser and talk about:
- Employment, education and training
- Housing and finances
- Health and leisure
Sessions take place at different venues across Nottinghamshire each month. Travel costs can be refunded.
To find dates and locations, visit the Notts Help Yourself website or email achievement@nottscc.gov.uk.
Support for Young People in or Leaving Custody
While in custody (under 21)
If you are in custody before age 21, support can include:
- Visits in person or contact via video link or email
- Regular communication to stay in touch
- Working with Probation and resettlement teams to plan for your release
After release
The 21Plus Service can help you:
- Find and secure accommodation
- Manage finances and apply for benefits
- Access education, employment or training
- Receive a mobile phone with £20 credit
- Get temporary financial support while benefits are being processed
If you leave custody after age 25, you may still be offered advice, signposting, and limited financial support to help set up accommodation.
Feedback
Your feedback helps improve the 21Plus Service. There are several ways to share your views:
- Monthly drop-in sessions
- Bi-monthly e-newsletters
- Feedback forms at age 25
Past feedback has led to:
- A cookbook with simple, budget-friendly recipes
- Free access to technology
- Discounts for local events
To share your feedback, email: 21Plus@nottscc.gov.uk
Contact us
21Plus Service
Telephone: 0115 804 4154
Email: 21Plus@nottscc.gov.uk
Out of hours (emergencies only)
Telephone: 0300 456 4546
Achievement Service
Email: achievement@nottscc.gov.uk
Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) Team
Email: uasc@nottscc.gov.uk