Young people who’ve been in care tend to live independently at an earlier age. You can leave care when you're 16, and if you’ve been in care and want or need to live on your own, there is a lot of support there for you.
In the year running up to leaving care it's important that your arm yourself with information on all aspects of independent living so that you are better prepared to stand on your own two feet.
Pathway Coordinator
A Pathways Coordinator is someone who will help you plan out what you’re going to do once you leave care, how much money and any support you’ll need. He or she should also give you support and help you with the whole moving out process.
Once you’re on your own, there may be benefits available to you as well. It can all seem pretty complicated, but your Pathway Coordinator should be able to help.
Keep in touch
Young people who have already left care say that one of the most important things is keeping in touch with friends made in the care home. It can be tempting to want to cut all ties, but these other young people know what you've been through and have a lot of shared experiences.
It is also really important to look after yourself - try to eat well and keep active and take care when it comes to sex, alcohol and drugs. Check out the Young Scot Health and Relationships section to find out more about taking care of your health.
Help and support
Even though you have left care, you don't have to tackle these problems on your own - there is help out there. One of the first places to turn to is the Scottish Through Care and After Care Forum. They will be able to put you in touch with the right people in local authorities and other agencies and give you practical advice.
Lastly, remember that living on your own after sharing a home with a group of other young people can leave you feeling isolated and lonely - so it's important to keep in touch with friends and know where to turn to if you do feel down or have any problems.
More help and information
If you want information or advice about leaving care then you can phone ChildLine on 0800 1111 (free).
Shelter Scotland can't provide you with accommodation, but what they can do is give you information and advice. Phone their free housing advice helpline on 0808 800 4444 - free from landlines and mobiles. (Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm).
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