Care Experienced History month: exploring the next chapter for young people leaving care

It is also a chance to focus on what helps young people move forward.

Across the UK, Shared Lives schemes are supporting young people leaving care to build stable relationships, develop confidence and increase their independence at their own pace. Through the Shared Lives for Young People Leaving Care programme, young people are matched with carefully approved carers who support them in their home and community. This provides stability and trusted relationships during the transition into adulthood.

Our Next Chapter stories show what this looks like in real life.

In Bury, Alex was able to stay connected with the foster carer who had supported him for years. When he turned eighteen, his carer Susan became a Shared Lives carer so their relationship could continue. With that ongoing support, Alex has been able to build independence, find work in the community and is now preparing to move into his own flat.

Read Alex’s Next Chapter in full: Care Leavers Spotlight – Persona Bury.

In East England, Andrew moved from long-term residential care into a Shared Lives home. With support from his Shared Lives carer, he has rebuilt daily routines, returned to college and is developing skills such as budgeting and cooking.

Read Andrew’s Next Chapter in full: Andrew’s story at PSS Norfolk & Suffolk.

In Telford and Wrekin, Kyle transitioned from foster care into Shared Lives so he could continue living with Bernie, who had supported him since he was four. Through Shared Lives, Kyle has developed confidence, made new friendships and started to increase his independence in everyday life.

Read Kyle’s Next Chapter in full: Kyle’s Next Chapter.

Each journey is different, but they all show the same thing: when young people leaving care have stable relationships and the right support, they can move into adulthood with confidence and a sense of belonging.