Staying Close

 

What is Staying Close?

Staying Close is a new project that aims to support young people who are transitioning out of care and looking for supported accommodation. Staying Close provides an enhanced support package for young people leaving care, by offering move-on accommodation alongside support with practical, emotional, health and wellbeing.

With homes in Mid and East Devon and Exeter, we offer a supportive environment where a personal advisor will help each you to develop your skills and empower you to navigate life’s challenges to unlock your full potential, while providing a safety net. Together, we will craft a personalised independence plan to guide and support you on your path to self-sufficiency.

The key difference between Staying Close and regular supported living is that it won’t be relying on external businesses to run them. Instead, Devon County Council has invested into its own properties, and turned them into comfortable living spaces for care experienced young people.

Having accommodation maintained by the Council will ensure that you get the space, resources, and practical and emotional support that you deserve. This also makes sure that all of the Staying Close properties will have the same support and resources available to you – along with the same guidelines that you will need to follow. This will make sure you get what you need no matter where you live, and that you don’t get any surprises when you move in.

 

Your Move, Your Future

Before moving in with Staying Close, they will take the time to get to know you and create a transition plan with your current placement to support you in the moving process. They will then help you think about what you need to grow the independence and skills you’ll need to move on from Staying Close. The aim is to ensure that when you are eventually ready to leave, you feel confident and prepared to start living independently. Some important things to think about when it comes to this conversation are:

  • What is important to you now and for the future?
  • What skills need to be focused on?
  • What are your hopes and aspirations?
  • What does a positive support network look like to you?
  • What challenges might there be and how can you overcome them?

 

Independence Plan

Next, they will work with you to craft a personalised independence plan to guide and support you on your path to self-sufficiency. This plan will provide detailed assistance in the following areas:

  • Accommodation Stability
  • Independent Living Skills
  • Relationships/Support Networks
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Education, Training and Employment

 

Meet The Team

If you would like to know more, please contact one of the Staying Close Personal Advisors or make a referral by emailing the combined mailbox stayingclose.referrals@devon.gov.uk.