Other areas of support

If you are a parent or if you are going to become a parent?

If you are a parent or if you are expecting a baby, we will support you to do the best for them. Your GP and midwife can talk to you about the health services available to you.  Your PA can work with your health visitor or midwife who can give you information about financial support (for example: Child Benefit, Universal Credit, Healthy Start Vouchers, Sure Start Maternity Grant) and schemes in place to support you. We will also help you to access information about childcare options (Care to Learn Fund, Child Care Vouchers) if this is what you need.

We can make a referral for specialist parenting support to prepare you for having a baby and for advice and support once your baby arrives if this is what you want.

We can support you to attend important meetings about your child if you need it.

Mums Group

We also run a weekly care experienced mum and baby group. The group provides a safe place for mums to learn, talk and have fun.  The group takes place on each Monday at Stoke Library, South Wolfe Street, ST4 4SZ . For information please contact your PA or the Next Steps duty number 01782 233575.

Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children

Unaccompanied children who qualify as care experienced young people and who have been granted leave to remain in the United Kingdom, or who have an outstanding asylum or other human rights claim or appeal, are entitled to the same level of care and support from the local authority as any other care leaver. We will make sure you have a pathway plan in place that is suited to you, your needs, and your wishes.

If you have lost contact with your family from your country of origin, we will support you by linking you with agencies who help to trace families (for example British Red Cross). However, depending on your immigration status, some support may have to be limited.

When you are first placed into our care, we will provide a clothing allowance and also a smart phone so that you can connect with your family and friends.

We will also provide interpreters to support you in completing the independence programme. 

We can also provide you with appropriate materials and equipment for you to uphold your cultural practises here, for example Prayer Mats and holy texts.

If you are in custody or have involvement from probation:

The Prison, Probation Service and the Next Steps Team will work together to provide consistent and appropriate support. If you have been in custody, you are entitled to the same level of PA support as all our other young people up to the age of 25.  

Care experienced young people in custody will receive:

  • Regular support and visits from your PA up to 21, this can be extended to 25, or  you can resume support at time if you are thinking support isn’t required after the age 21.
  • Family members can access the Assisted Prison Visits scheme via the DWP if eligible.
  • If aged 16/17 we will provide £10 per week pocket money.
  • Provide the applicable Birthday and Festival allowance up to age 21.
  • Care experienced young people who have been in custody have access to the Setting Up Home Grant on release.
  • You will have a release plan so that everyone is clear what needs to happen to help you to make sure you can do well on your release.
  • Upon release we can meet you at the gates if needed. 
  • If you are under 25 years of age and find yourself in a police station in the West Midlands, the police should ask you if you are a care leaver. If they don’t, please tell them so they can contact us. We will then contact you to offer you support.

Support in the local area

The following services and organisations are available to offer support. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and there are other support options available.

Anxiety and general mental health concern +

Staffordshire mental health helpline – This helpline has been established as part of Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s response to the second coronavirus lockdown which began on 5 November. It’s open seven days a week. Calls are handled by Brighter Futures staff. Call handlers offer the person calling a safe space to talk through any issues they may be experiencing, and callers are then sign posted to the appropriate support services available.

Every Mind Matters - Every Mind Matters website has lots of tips on how you can look after your mental health, and offers advice on specific issues such as low mood, anxiety, coronavirus related anxieties, stress and sleep. You can also take a short quiz and get your own 'Mind Plan.

NHS Free Mind Plan - Answer 5 simple questions to get your personalised mental health action plan with tips and advice to help you be kind to your mind.

Changes Here4U Wellbeing - A local mental health support service that offers services for adults and children and young people.

Loneliness +

The Dove Service - offer a 'Dove Buddies' group, every Tuesday 10.30-11.30am where residents can register to join a social/friendship group to combat loneliness and social isolation. They also offer an alleviating isolation group every Wednesday 1.30-2.3pm. This group was created to support those who supporting others as they struggle with the impact of grief and loss during Covid-19.

If you are worried about a child you can contact:

Domestic abuse +

New Era - A domestic abuse support servic for victims of domestic abuse. It also offes help for perpetrators

Glow - A service that helps victims addrerss and overcome domestic abuse.

Victim support - An independent charity helping people affected by crime or traumatic events, including those who are affected by domestic abuse, to get support.

If you are concerned about an immediate risk of harm - either to yourself or someone else - then phone 999.

Practical support +

Jobs, enterprise and training service (JET) - A free careers and advice and support service run by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and offers help to residents who need support to find a job.

The citizens advice Staffordshire North and Stoke-on-Trent - Provides support for people facing debt and other financial problems.

Disability solutions West Midlands - Provides help and adivce for people with a disability.

Sexual abuse +

Savanna - Provides free counselling and support services for anyone from the age of 4 who have been affected by sexual violence and abuse.

Support for carers +

North Staffs Carers - A local charity providing support for unpaid carers in North Staffordshire.

Bereavement and loss +

Dove Service: bereavement counselling and support - A charity providing bereavement and loss counselling in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.

Substance misuse +

The community drug and alcohol service - Provides support to people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.

Rehab 4 Addiction - A helpline assisting those affected by substance misuse for people who are concerned about their own or a loved one's drug and alcohol addiction.

Accessing support in a mental health crisis +

North Staffordshire combined healthcare - A telephone helpline offering support 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people who are concerned about their own mental health or somebody else’s.

Self-help resources +

Eating well - The NHS website has lots of information on how you can improve your diet and how certain food groups will benefit your health and wellbeing.

Exercise videos - The leisure team at the city council are regularly putting up exercise videos you can follow from the comfort of your living room. There are different routines being uploaded to suit everybody. You can find videos on the leisure centres' Facebook pages: Fenton Manor, Dimensions leisure centre and the Wallace Centre.

ORCHA health app library - The ORCHA health app library has been developed by the city council and ORCHA to to help you find the best apps for things such as stopping smoking, improving your mental wellbeing, keeping active and managing health conditions.

AskSARA - AskSARA is a free online assessment tool which helps you find products and equipment, specific to your needs, with information on where to get them.

Homelessness +

Brighter future - A local support service which helps with homelessness and mental health issues.