Housing Support for Care Leavers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Moving into your own place can feel like a big step. You might be excited about having more independence but worried about where you will live or unsure about what support is available.

If you are leaving care, you don’t have to figure out housing on your own. There is support available to help you understand your options, access accommodation and build confidence for independent living.

This guide outlines some of the housing options available for young people leaving care and where to go if you need extra support. Through five steps, we’ll help you understand your housing options, explore the support available and feel more prepared for moving into your new home.

Step 1: Understand your housing options

There is no single route into housing for young people leaving care, but it is important to understand what support and accommodation choices are available so you can decide which option feels right for your needs and future.

Some of these options may include:

Supported accommodation

Supported accommodation can help young people who want more independence while still having access to guidance and practical support.

Support may include help with:

• Managing bills and budgeting
• Cooking and everyday life skills
• Building routines
• Accessing education or employment
• Looking after your wellbeing

Supported accommodation can provide a space to learn and build confidence while preparing for independent living.

‘Staying Put’ arrangements

Some young people may be able to stay with their foster carers for longer through arrangements that provide extra time and stability before moving into independent accommodation.

A ‘staying put’ arrangement means that you can stay with your foster carer beyond turning 18 – which is when you’re no longer legally entitled to a guardian – it’s based on your needs rather than your age and aims to provide stability during the transition from care to independence.

For more information, you can read the latest guidance from the UK Government.

If you need support understanding this guidance, reach out to your social worker or local support workers near you.

Social housing or council housing

Some young people may be supported to apply for housing through their local authority. As this varies by region, your first step towards social housing should be your local council.

Read our guide on asking the council for housing help.

Click here to find your local council.

Privately rented accommodation

Some young people choose to move into privately rented accommodation, which can offer more independence and flexibility. Renting privately means you are responsible for things like paying rent, managing bills and understanding your tenancy agreement, so it can feel like a big step at first.

If you need extra support, there are services and organisations that can help you understand your responsibilities and build confidence with independent living.

If you are currently homeless and need urgent support, read our guide on what to do next.

Step 2: Talk about housing early

If you know you will be leaving care soon, try to start conversations about housing as early as possible. Talking early can give you more time to understand your options and ask any questions you may have.

You might want to discuss:

Where you want to live

Whether you want support with independent living

What feels manageable right now

Any worries you have

You do not need to have everything planned out. Your social worker, support workers or other advisers can help you explore what works for you.

Click here to find support services near you.

Step 3: Know what support you can access

Finding somewhere to live is only one part of the picture. You might also need support with:

• Moving into accommodation
• Setting up bills
• Managing money
• Building confidence
• Emotional wellbeing
• Accessing education, training or work

Having support around you can make a big difference during a period of change. If you’re worried about reaching out to support services, talk to or bring someone with you who you can trust.

What if I am worried about becoming homeless?

If you are worried about where you are going to stay, ask for help as early as possible. Housing concerns can feel stressful and isolating, but support is available.

Speaking to your social worker, a support worker or housing support service can help you understand your options and identify practical next steps.

If you’re experiencing or at risk of homelessness, read our guide on what to do next.

Step 4: Prepare for moving into a home

Moving into a home often involves more than collecting keys.

There can be lots of things to think about, including:

Practical things

• Setting up a bank account
• Understanding rent and bills
• Buying everyday essentials
• Learning how to budget

Looking after yourself

• Creating routines
• Staying connected with people around you
• Making time for your wellbeing
• Asking for support when you need it

You do not need to know how to do everything straight away. Learning independent living skills takes time.

You can reach out for support with P3. We can help you with independent living skills, mental health support, finding housing and more.

Step 5: Ask for help if things feel difficult

Moving into accommodation and becoming more independent can sometimes feel overwhelming.

You might feel lonely, stressed, anxious or unsure about where to turn. Reaching out for support early for your mental health is just like reaching out early for support surrounding housing, it can help prevent small challenges turning into bigger problems.

Get support with P3 Charity.

Need support with housing or wellbeing?

Finding somewhere to live is important, but having the right support around you matters too. At P3, we work with young people across England to provide support with housing, wellbeing and building confidence.

Whether you’re looking for support around accommodation, practical life skills or emotional wellbeing, we can help. Explore P3’s Young Peoples Services here.