We want to make sure that every care leaver has the support they need to achieve their goals and aspirations. We will offer you:
- Careers information and advice e.g. CV development, interview techniques, how to prepare for an interview etc.
- Support to meet transport costs when travelling to training, school/college, apprenticeships or job interviews
- Support to buy tools, equipment, essential clothing and books.
- Access to ‘Breakthrough’ a bespoke Transition programme to help you to access education, employment, training, and independent living opportunities.
- Incentive payments to support and encourage you to access EET opportunities
- The opportunity to access all GM Higher programmes designed to support you if you are interested in going to university.
- Personal Adviser support until you are 25 years old if this is what you want.
- Care Leavers are a priority group and can access the 16-19 bursary fund of up to £1200 a year from their education provider if in Further Education.
- Personal Education Plans to identify what support may be needed and to celebrate achievements
- Enhanced support from the DWP for our Care Leavers, working closely with our PAs and includes guidance around benefit sanctions and access to support such as ‘Second Chance Learning’
- Monthly drop-in at the New Kershaw Centre with Ingeus (Employment programme provider) and DWP, to give advice and support to both Care Leavers and PAs
Apprenticeships and work experience
We offer guaranteed interviews for Bury Council apprenticeships where candidates meet all essential criteria for the role. These are usually advertised in the summertime and your PA will support you apply for these.
As a Care Leaver you are entitled to receive the £2000 apprenticeship bursary from your education provider which we will support you apply for.
Please see the Apprenticeship Guidance for Care Experienced Young People in the related documents section on the right of this page for more specific information on apprenticeships.
Higher Education
Financial support - if you choose to go to University to pay for your accommodation during term time and a contribution to holiday accommodation. Speak to your PA or See the Bury Social Care and The Care and Support Service University and Higher Education Policy for further information (this policy can be accessed as a download on the left side of this page).
Higher Education Bursary- if you're a care leaver starting university after your 21st birthday but before your 25th birthday you'll be entitled to the Local Authority Higher Education Bursary of £2,000, this will be split into term time payments over the duration of your course.
Student Finance Support – we will support you with applying for tuition fees and maintenance loans provided by Student finance if you attend University.
Care leaver support – some universities offer additional support to Care Leavers. We will support you to identify the Universities that offer this support.
Accommodation – the Unite foundation offer scholarships to cover the costs of accommodation at some Universities. Your PA will support you to apply for this should you wish to.