Support & Independence

Supporting Young People in their Independence

Here at Budwood we’re passionate about preparing young people for adult living and equipping them with the knowledge and skills they’ll need to build a successful, happy future.

We tailor the support we offer depending on the needs of each young person, and aim to help them to thrive in every aspect of their lives. Read on to discover just some of the ways in which we support young people to succeed and gain their independence.

“Budwood are by far the best care provider I have come across. The staff are enthusiastic about their role and you get a sense that each of them strives to get to know the young person and give them the best possible support they can.”

– Social Worker

Budwood Life Skills

Our first step to helping young people to achieve their independence is designing an Independent Life Skills Assessment. This assessment is completed with their input to identify which areas they need support in.

We offer young people access to a range of personal development courses covering topics such as finance, independent living and emotional wellbeing. They will also be encouraged to take part in ASDAN’s Living Independently course, specifically designed for care experienced young people.

Each young person at Budwood will receive the support of a designated Key Worker who will arrange skill building sessions with them, covering topics such as domestic skills, budgeting, household management and maintaining a tenancy.

Accessing Education & Employment

We believe that education is a passport to adult success, achievement and wellbeing. Each young person who comes to live at Budwood will have a tailored Education & Employment plan designed to suit their needs and abilities.

We maintain strong links with local colleges and job centres and ensure that every young person is supported to find their next steps in education, employment or apprenticeship training.

While at Budwood young people will also have the opportunity to take part in learning sessions with their key worker where they will learn key skills such as interview techniques, job hunting and creating a CV. We also ensure that young people are aware of all funding available to them.

Financial Independence

When a young person comes to live at Budwood, they will receive an allowance from their local authority. This allowance is designed to cover food, clothing, hygiene products, phone costs, personal travel and any other purchases which the young person deems appropriate. We will provide additional financial support towards food and will cover the cost of all utilities.

Staff will help young people to budget, set up a bank account, and learn the skills they need to understand and manage their own finances, through courses such as Moneywise. Young people are expected to manage their own finances but can always rely on the support of staff to help them understand financial matters.

Travel Independence

Young people at Budwood are responsible for paying for and making their own travel arrangements. Staff are on hand to support young people in gaining the confidence needed to use public transport.

Our supported accommodation homes have access to a car to help young people with essential travel. For example, if they were required to make a court appearance, attend a health-related appointment, or needed support in meeting a previously unattended DNA appointment, our staff could be available to take them.

Supporting the Health and Wellbeing of Young People

Each young person will have their physical and mental health needs assessed when they come to live at Budwood. Young people will be responsible for caring for their health needs, which includes administering their own medication.

When a young person arrives at Budwood they will be provided with a range of information on local services such as a doctor’s surgery, dentist, and local mental health services like community mental health hubs. We will support young people to access these services as well as working closely with their local authority to ensure that they are able to access therapy services if they choose.

Staff at Budwood are therapeutically trained and able to support young people with a range of lifestyle advice to promote good health and wellbeing, including:

Nutrition & healthy eating
Sexual health & contraception
Mental health awareness
Drug and alcohol use
Friendships & relationships
Fitness & exercise

Key principles in supporting independence

Preparation for independence and the transition to adulthood programmes must focus on the strengths of young people, and progress at a pace that suits the young person and should identify the timescale that is required to make a successful transition to adulthood. Preparation for independence should include the views of young people and enhance and improve the life chances of young people in and leaving care.
Preparation for independence is not a distinct phase; small tasks and steps should be undertaken from the point of being ‘looked after’.
We will challenge where appropriate to ensure that the placing authority’s care planning and pathway planning are based on robust assessments, knowledge of available services and partnership approaches.
Individual preparation for independence programmes, leaving care assessments and pathway plans while being flexible, should highlight the tasks that need to be achieved and the role that Budwood staff, social workers, leaving care personal advisers, family members, partner agencies, such as education, health, housing, schools, and colleges will play.

Programmes should highlight tasks and expectations of young people and allow sufficient time to work at the young person’s pace.
A broad range of tools, resources, and methods for working with young people should be available to enable a creative and flexible approach.
Preparation for Independence programmes should address issues of health and development, education, training and employment, practical and emotional skills, placement and accommodation needs, relationships, community organisations and support networks and financial and budgeting skills.
Preparation for Independence programmes should address needs arising from issues of gender, class, sexuality, race, culture, religion, linguistic background, and disability. Preparation for Independence programmes, leaving care assessments and pathway plans should aim to empower young people taking account of gradual learning and that tasks can be revisited.

Fitness, Leisure and Community

Our C.A.T.C.H ® therapeutic model teaches the value of keeping active and socialising, and we promote these healthy behaviours to young people at Budwood. While staying with us, each young person will be provided with a gym subscription to help support their physical health along with funding for a suitable activity each week. We encourage young people to get active and get involved in a range of sports such as boxing, dancing, and weightlifting.

We also encourage them to get involved in their community and make friends through volunteering and other local opportunities, and young people can invite friends and family to visit their accommodation, where appropriate. Socialising and building connections with the people around us is great for building self-esteem and promoting healthy relationships.

Meeting Religious & Cultural Needs

Young people’s cultural, linguistic and religious needs will be met individually, through discussion with the young person and their local authority and family. This may include bringing in translators, providing a suitable area for prayer, and supporting their attendance at places of worship.

Transitioning to Independent Living

Budwood will support young people with their transition from supported accommodation to independent living in a variety of ways, including:

Carefully considered transition planning which involves the input of the young person and helps them to identify, access and receive their entitlement as a care leaver.
Accompanying the young person to view their new accommodation.
Finding out about the area they will be moving to, including how they can access benefits, health services, training, and job opportunities in the area.
Supporting young people with their emotions around moving on from Budwood.

Budwood will support young people with their transition as a care leaver, this will include the following but is not limited to:

Consulting with the social worker/personal advisor to find out when the young person will transition.
Creating a plan and including the young person in the plan
Visit to a new placement /home/independent living
Finding out about the local area
Information about benefits, training, employment and jobs in their new area
Finding out about health services in their new area
Supporting them with their feelings about moving onto their next chapter

Moving On

When a young person leaves Budwood and moves on to independent living, we’ll keep in touch with them for a period of time and offer floating support to help them settle into their new routine.

We’ll also ensure that young people are able to access the resources of their ‘Local Offer’ arrangements, which may include support relating to accommodation, employment, education and training opportunities. Ongoing support enhances and improves the life opportunities of care experienced young people.

Extra Support

We recognise that there are times in which a young person may need additional support which goes beyond what is usually expected when living in supported accommodation. For example, if a young person is transitioning into supported accommodation for the first time or is facing crisis. In these circumstances, our staff will be on hand to provide extra support and guidance.

If it becomes apparent that a young person requires consistently higher levels of care than is expected at Budwood, we will consult with their placing authority to evaluate whether the support we offer is the right choice for them, taking into consideration the young person’s wishes and feelings.

Our Accommodation

Our supported accommodation is designed to encourage independence while offering safety and stability.

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Our Therapeutic Model

We use therapeutic parenting techniques alongside our bespoke C.A.T.C.H ® Model to provide young people with a high standard of support which is tailored to their individual needs.

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Relationships & Behaviour

Explore our trauma-informed approach to fostering healthy relationships, managing behaviours, and supporting emotional growth.

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Safeguarding & Quality

Understand our commitment to safeguarding, ensuring quality care and continuous improvement in all aspects of support.

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Staff Training & Development

Discover how our staff’s extensive training ensures consistent, high-quality support for young people.

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