Find support with setting up home.
On this page
- Living independently
- Finding the right place to live
- Staying with your foster family
- You don’t have to pay council tax until you are 25
- Priority on local housing waiting lists
- Help applying for social housing
- Help if you are homeless
- Support with deposits and guarantors
- Help with moving in and furnishing your home
- Help with managing bills and rent
Living independently
The Care Leavers Team understands that finding accommodation can be difficult. The aim is to support you to live independently in housing that is safe, stable, affordable, and meets your needs.
Your personal adviser will help you explore the different accommodation options and decide which one suits you best.
You will be encouraged to stay in care until you are 18. If you decide to leave care earlier, your personal adviser will make sure suitable housing is arranged for you.
Your accommodation plans and any support you need when you leave care will be included in your Pathway Plan.
Finding the right place to live
The Care Leavers Team will support you to find a place that is safe, stable, affordable and right for your needs. Your personal adviser will help you explore the options and decide which type of housing suits you best.
Some care leavers are ready to live independently with little support, while others may benefit from extra help. Your accommodation plans and the support you need will be included in your Pathway Plan.
Supported housing
If you’re moving on from foster or residential care, supported accommodation might be an option. This is usually for young people aged 16 to 21. Support staff may live on-site or visit regularly to help you manage day-to-day tasks like budgeting, cooking, and paying bills.
Independent living
If you're ready to live on your own, options include private rented housing or social housing through a housing association. Your personal adviser will support you to understand your tenancy agreement and your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Staying with your foster family
If you want to, you may be able to stay with your foster carer after your 18th birthday under the Staying Put scheme. This can continue until you are 21, especially if you are in college, training or doing an apprenticeship. Your personal adviser will talk to you and your foster carer about whether this is the right option for you.
You don’t have to pay council tax until you are 25
The Care Leavers Team offers a Council Tax Reduction Scheme to support you up to your 25th birthday. Your personal adviser can help you apply and make sure the right arrangements are in place with your local district council.
Priority on local housing waiting lists
As a care leaver, you will be given priority on Nottinghamshire local authority housing waiting lists. If there are any delays or issues with your application, your personal adviser will help you sort them out.
Help applying for social housing
You can choose to live independently or in shared housing, depending on what works best for you. Your personal adviser will guide you through the process of applying to the district council for social housing, including how to bid for properties. They can also help with any costs linked to setting up your new home.
Help if you are homeless
If you think you might be at risk of becoming homeless, contact your personal adviser as soon as possible. If you are aged 21 or over, you can also contact the 21Plus Service. They will help you explore your options and make sure you get the support you need.
Support with rent deposits and guarantors
In some situations, the Care Leavers Team can help by paying your deposit and acting as a guarantor for your rent. This support will be included in your Pathway Plan if it’s the right option for you.
Help with moving in and furnishing your home
The Care Leavers Team will provide financial and practical support to help you move into and set up your new home. Some housing providers also offer extra assistance — your personal adviser can help arrange this. More details are available in the Money section.
Help with managing bills and rent
We’ll support you with advice on managing a tenancy, keeping up with bills, and making sure you’re applying for any benefits you’re entitled to. If anything goes wrong, your personal adviser will help you get back on track and stay on top of your responsibilities.