Archway Hub and other support for care leavers

We have regular groups and activities for our young people to join. You can find out what's on offer by calling into the Hub and checking out our information board, or by joining our WhatsApp group.

Your PA can also let you know what's happening and when.

You can also ask to join the Independent Visitor Scheme. The Independent Visitor will meet with you regularly to do activities you enjoy, with the aim of establishing a consistent, positive adult relationship.

We have a laundry room that you are welcome to use if you need it. Our Hub workers can help you if necessary. Chill out area: We have a pool table which is free to use as well as a TV area and comfy sofas.

You are always welcome to make yourself a drink in our kitchen area and if you would like something to eat just ask, we usually have food available.

We have a bathroom which you are free to use and free toiletries available.

You can ask our Duty Hub Workers for advice and support. We also have staff from the DWP, Therapeutic Social Work Team, Housing Support and Welfare and Benefits team working from Archway.

If you need support to be reunited with people you have lost touch with ask your PA if you can be referred to Life Long Links. 

Our partners, Our Way Leeds (OWLS), are also based at Archway and can offer advice and support to those accessing their service.

Staying Close is a programme which provides an enhanced support package for some young people leaving care from children's homes, and is sometimes extended to include young people who may be in other settings, such as semi-independent, and custody.

The aim is to reduce the cliff edge of care and prepare them for the transition to adulthood.

Leeds have a Staying Close Team who provide enhanced support with the aim to achieve the following:

• Accommodation stability
• Wellbeing
• Education, Employment and Training (EET)
• Strong relationships and support network
• Independent living skills

Our Staying Close Team work within the Care Leaver Service and provide extra support to our young people who need it most.

The Care Leaver Covenant (CLC) is a promise made by private, public and voluntary organisations to provide support to care leavers aged 16-25 to help them live independently. 

The aim of the CLC is to make available extra support and expertise on top of what is already available from the local authority.

Connects is a tool for care leavers to stay informed with all the Covenant has to offer. You can sign up to Connects to receive updates on all sorts of opportunities that are on offer to you.

If you are in an emergency situation call 999. Call 101 if you want to talk to your local police officer, get crime prevention advice, or report a crime that does not need an emergency response. To give information anonymously, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For advice on police services, crime prevention, safety and security, child protection, drugs and anti-social behaviour go to the West Yorkshire Police website. You can also report a crime through the site. 

You should contact your job coach at the DWP with any queries regarding your Universal Credit, also they can help you to into employment. You can ask them about support with the financial costs of interviews and starting a new job role. Contact your job coach by through your UC journal or by making an appointment at your local job centre.

Job Centre Plus main number: 0800 169 0190

Department for Work and Pensions website

If you are experiencing an emergency or crisis and meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for support with food, energy and essential household items through the Local Welfare Support Scheme run by Leeds City Council.     

Find information on all the services available through the council, and info and links to other useful sites. You can use the website to do all of the following and more:     

• report antisocial behaviour and noise complaints
• advice on housing benefit, Council Tax Support and free school meals
• information on bins, waste and recycling
• information on activities for children and advice on keeping children safe
• for advice and to arrange pest control
• information about schools and public health in Leeds.

The Rees Foundation offer advice, guidance and signposting in areas such as employability, budgeting, benefits, mental health and life story work. You can also apply for a grant from them to help you get into employment, for example to pay for course or training fees. 

Rees Foundation contact number 0330 094 5645 

Rees Foundation website     

Barnardo's have a wide range of projects and information to provide support to all young people. They also offer advice and support specifically to being a care leaver. They aim to help children and young people feel safer, happier, healthier and more hopeful – and have somewhere they feel they belong. 

Barnardo's website     

Become offer an advice line for care experienced young people or the adults supporting them. They give advice on entitlements, housing and education. They also offer coaching, workshops and run link-up groups to connect care experienced people together.  

Become advice line: 0800 023 2033     

Become website     

This site shows a detailed support checklist for all colleges and universities, covering things like specific funds for care leavers and year-round accommodation. 

Propel by Become website     

The Capstone Care Leavers Trust (CCLT) awards grants to care leavers aged 17 to 25 years. Typically grants are awarded for education and training courses, driving lessons, household items and study items and equipment.     

They can also offer general care leaver advice and guidance.      

Capstone contact number: 0121 374 2601     

Capstone Care Leavers Trust website     

Coram Voice are a leading children and young people's rights charity. They work to make sure that young voices are heard in decisions being made about their support and care. They offer a range of information and advice about leaving care and opportunities for care leavers to take part in changing the care system for the better.  

Coram Voice website