Support Grants for Care Leavers

Support Grants for Care Leavers is a flexible funding programme designed specifically for young people aged 18 to 25 who have been in care with Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Southampton City Council or Portsmouth City Council. This grant programme is made possible through the generous support of Sovereign Network Group and CCLA. The fund provides financial support across three key areas to help care leavers transition to independent living and achieve their goals. First, it assists with costs of setting up a new home, including purchasing essential items like white goods (refrigerators, washing machines), furnishings such as curtains, moving costs, or rent deposits. Second, it supports wellbeing activities that improve physical and mental health, such as yoga classes, gym memberships, counselling sessions, or participation in cultural and arts events and experiences. Third, it helps with costs related to accessing training, study, and employment pathways, including course fees, computer equipment, interview clothing, equipment needed for training or a new job, and travel expenses like rail cards for work. Grants of up to £750 are available to individuals. These are non-repayable grants, not loans, providing direct financial assistance to care leavers during a critical transition period in their lives. The programme aims to provide flexible support tailored to the individual needs of care leavers as they establish independence and pursue education, employment, and wellbeing goals.