Care Leaver Hub, Frederick StreetEvery Tuesday1pm to 4pm Drop in and speak to:a Care Leaver Advocatea Connect to Work representativecareers, employability and progression specialists. Whether you need help finding a job, exploring apprenticeships, applying for college or university, improving your CV, preparing for interviews or understanding the support available to you as a care leaver, help is available.

Plymouth City Council's Local Offer explains the support available to care-experienced young people, including help with:education and trainingemployment and apprenticeshipscareers advice and guidanceyour homerelationshipsmoneymaking a difference and getting involvedyoung parentsseparated young people seeking asylumyoung people in custodyuseful contacts. Find out more: https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/care-leavers The Care Leaver Guide also includes information about preparing to leave care, support available after leaving care, your Personal Advisor and useful contacts.

Skills Launchpad PlymouthSkills Launchpad Plymouth can help you:explore career optionsfind jobs and apprenticeshipsaccess training courses and qualificationsgain work experience and volunteering opportunitiesimprove your CV and interview skillsconnect with local employers and training providers.A good place to get started is to look at the News and Events page to see what’s coming up. It may also be helpful to take a look at the key sectors page to find out what kind of sector you might want to work in one day – knowing that can make it easier to plan the steps you need to take to get there. Jobcentre PlusIf you're claiming benefits, your Work Coaches can provide tailored support to help you:find workaccess training opportunitiesdevelop employability skillsprepare for interviewsunderstand the financial support available while looking for work. Careers PlymouthCareers Plymouth offers additional support to care leavers, helping young people progress into education, employment and training while overcoming barriers to achieving their ambitions.Young People - Careers Plymouth | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK

Thinking about college, university or another qualification? Check out our training and education tab here, but did you know that additional support is available for care leavers? Plymouth City Council higher education supportEligible care leavers may be able to access:a higher education bursary of £3,000 per year for up to three years of university studysupport with vacation accommodation costsfunding for graduation gown hirefunding towards a professional graduation photograph. Speak to your Personal Advisor for full details and eligibility criteria. Useful resourcesUCAS Support for Care-Experienced StudentsThe Care Leavers AssociationGovernment Support for Care Leavers in Further and Higher Education These organisations offer advice on applications, finance, accommodation and settling into college or university life.

As a care leaver in Plymouth, you may also be able to access a range of additional support and benefits, including:funding towards driving lessonssupport with your first passport or driving licencehelp with interview clothing and employment-related expensescouncil tax exemption (subject to eligibility)free gym and swim membership through Plymouth Active Leisureaccess to counselling and wellbeing support through Ask Jandiscounts, offers and opportunities through the graduating care south west app.  For more information, speak to your Personal Advisor or visit Plymouth's Care Leaver Guide.

BecomeBecome is the national charity for children in care and care leavers. It provides advice, information and advocacy on topics including education, employment, housing, wellbeing and your rights as a care leaver. The Care Leavers CovenantThe Care Leavers Covenant is a national commitment that brings together organisations offering opportunities, support and discounts for care-experienced young people, helping them make a successful transition into adulthood. They have created over 2000 opportunities covering employment, training, support, free tickets, discounts, giveaways and help with DIY! Some of these will be local and some will be national – you can search the opportunities on the website. Check out the national website here - Care Leavers Wanted - Care Leaver Covenant.Here’s Plymouth’s local page - Care Leavers Covenant.

Plymouth Care Leavers Guide: https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/care-leaversPlymouth’s Care Leavers CovenantPlymouth Local Offer for Care LeaversCareers PlymouthJobcentre PlusSkills Launchpad PlymouthUCAS Support for Care-Experienced StudentsThe Care Leavers AssociationBecome