Financial Support & Grants
Care experienced young people may be entitled to financial support to help them live independently, including leaving care grants, higher education bursaries, benefits guidance, emergency funding, and advice on budgeting and managing money.
Housing Support
Support is available to help care-experienced young people find suitable accommodation, apply for housing support such as Universal Credit, and manage tenancies and household responsibilities. They can also access guidance to help develop the practical skills needed for independent living.
Employment & Job Support
Support with employment helps care leavers build stable and successful futures by providing guidance with CV writing, job applications, interview preparation, and access to apprenticeships and training opportunities.
Education & Training
Care-experienced young people can access additional support with college and university funding, training programmes, apprenticeships, and ongoing learning to help them achieve their goals.
Health & Wellbeing Support
Leaving care can be a big transition, and support is available to help with wellbeing and everyday needs, including access to food banks, essential items, and local community services. Care-experienced young people can also receive mental health and emotional wellbeing support.
Chill 'n' Chat
As part of our care leaver support services, Fair Ways runs Chill 'n' Chat, a monthly meet-up designed to provide ongoing guidance, connection, and practical help. Chill 'n' Chat offers a safe and welcoming space where care-experienced young people can access support, build relationships, and receive advice.
Financial Support & Grants
Leaving care can bring new financial responsibilities, but there is a range of financial support and grants available for care leavers in the UK to help you live independently, continue education, and build your future.
At Fair Ways, we help care-experienced young people understand what support they are entitled to and access the funding and guidance they need.
What Financial Support Can Care-Experienced Young People Get?
Depending on your circumstances, age, and location, you may be entitled to financial help from your local authority, education providers, or the UK Government.
Support may include:
• Leaving care grants
• Setting up home allowances
• Benefits and income support
• Education bursaries
• Emergency financial help
• Help with living costs
Your personal adviser or local authority can help you understand your eligibility. If you need help accessing financial support or want to learn more about what you are entitled to, our team is here to help.
We are committed to ensuring care-experienced young people have the support, resources, and guidance they need to build stable and independent futures.
Housing Support
Moving into your own home is a big step when leaving care. There is a range of housing support for care leavers in the UK designed to help you find safe accommodation, manage your tenancy, and develop the skills needed for independent living.
At Fair Ways, we help care-experienced young people access the right housing support, understand their rights, and build confidence in living independently.
What Housing Support Can Care Leavers Get?
If you are leaving care, your local authority has a responsibility to support you with accommodation and independent living.
You may receive help with:
• Finding suitable accommodation
• Supported housing or independent living options
• Rent and housing costs
• Managing a tenancy
• Developing life skills
• Ongoing guidance from a personal adviser
Where to find official information
• GOV.uk: Information about leaving care, housing support, and benefits.
• Citizens Advice: Free advice on housing rights and support.
• Your local council website: Housing and leaving care services in your area.
If you need help finding accommodation or preparing for independent living, support is available. Fair Ways is committed to helping care-experienced young people access safe housing, build independence, and create positive futures.
Employment & Job Support
Leaving care can bring new responsibilities, including preparing for work and building a career, but there is a range of employment support available for care-experienced young people in the UK to help you find jobs, access training, and plan your future.
What Employment Support Can Care Leavers Get?
Care leavers can access a variety of support to help them find work and develop their skills.
This may include:
• CV writing and job applications
• Interview preparation and techniques
• Apprenticeships and training programmes
• Career advice and guidance
• Support from the Jobcentre
• Developing work-ready skills and confidence
If you are leaving care and looking for work or training opportunities, support is available.
• GOV.UK: Guidance on employment support and apprenticeships for care leavers.
• Jobcentre Plus: Help with job searches, benefits, and training opportunities.
• Citizens Advice: Free advice on employment rights and work support.
Portsmouth based job opportunities:
Please note, the resources and opportunities on the PADLET pages are created, updated and managed by the Careers & Progression Service at PCC.
• Local Offer & Opportunities
• Portsmouth Careers & Progression Team
• PCC Careers & Progression – Calendar of Events
Education & Training
Leaving care can bring new challenges, but there is a range of education and training support available for care-experienced young people in the UK. This help is designed to support further education, apprenticeships, and career development, giving you the tools to achieve your goals.
At Fair Ways, we help care-experienced young people access funding, training, and learning opportunities, while providing guidance and practical support to ensure success at every stage.
What Education & Training Support Can Care Leavers Get?
Care leavers can access a variety of support to help them continue learning and develop skills for the future. This may include:
• College and university funding
• Higher education bursaries and scholarships
• Apprenticeships and vocational training programmes
• Career development and guidance
• Ongoing learning support and mentoring
If you are leaving care and looking to continue your education or access training opportunities, support is available. You can find further information and support on official websites such as GOV.uk, UCAS for higher education applications, and your local council’s education and training services, ensuring you have access to all the resources needed to plan your next steps with confidence.
Health & Wellbeing Support
Leaving care can be a big transition, and care-experienced young people may face new challenges around their health, wellbeing, and daily life. There is a range of support available in the UK to help you manage these changes, maintain your wellbeing, and access practical resources as you move toward independence.
What Health & Wellbeing Support Can Care-Experienced Young People Get?
Care leavers can receive support to help with everyday needs and overall wellbeing, including:
• Access to food banks and essential items
• Emotional and mental health support
• Guidance on managing daily life and household responsibilities
• Opportunities to build confidence, resilience, and life skills
• Ongoing learning support and mentoring
Support is available from a variety of trusted sources. Care-experienced young people can find information and guidance on GOV.uk for health and wellbeing services, access mental health support through NHS resources, and connect with local community organisations and charities for practical help.
Your local council can also provide information on services available in your area, from counselling and mental health support to food, housing, and other essential resources.
Chill 'n' Chat
As part of our care-experienced support services, Fair Ways runs Chill 'n' Chat, a monthly meet-up designed to provide ongoing guidance, connection, and practical help.
Chill 'n' Chat offers a safe and welcoming space where care-experienced young people can access support, build relationships, and receive advice.
Fair Ways Chill ‘n’ Chat Event
Location: Spark Community Centre, Fratton Way, Southsea, PO4 8SL
When: Monthly – 29th April, 27th May, 24th June, 29th July, 26th August, 30th September, 28th October, 25th November and TBC December.
For: Care-experienced young people across Portsmouth.
Time: 5pm – 8pm
What to Expect at Chill ‘n’ Chat
• Free hot meal
• Games and social activities
• Films and relaxed sessions
• Advice on jobs, housing and finances
• Help accesses additional services
• A supportive space to talk and connect
Chill ‘n’ Chat helps ensure young people across Portsmouth continue to receive the same care, guidance and support. We understand every journey is different, which is why our support is flexible and centred around individual needs.
Join Our WhatsApp Community
We welcome any care experienced individual to join the Fair Ways Chill 'n' Chat Community on WhatsApp.
Here, our team will keep you up to date with need-to-know information, key event dates and times, and be able to answer any of your questions.
Please note - only Fair Ways will be able to see your phone number, and you will need to be approved before joining the community.
