Family and relationships

We realise how important positive and supportive relationships with family, friends and others can be to living a happy, safe and successful life. So, we will support you to have a strong and safe support network around you.

Help creating a support network

If you want to, your personal advisor can advise and support you to get in touch with people who are special to you or who cared for you in the past.  They can also support you to re-connect with family in cases where it will be a positive step for you.  They can help you to develop healthy relationships with friends and family and help you keep safe.  Click here to find out how to get a personal advisor if you haven’t already got one.

Understanding your life history

If and when you want to we will help you to understand your time in care and your life history, including your case files.  This can include support to trace your family if needed and support with extra emotional support if you need it as we understand this can be a challenging time.  Speak to your personal advisor if you would like to look at this through the access to records team.

Personal relationship support

If you find yourself in relationships that you feel are difficult, that are making you unhappy, your personal advisor can offer support.

Your personal advisor will always respect your gender and sexual identity. They can help you access services that offer support with your sexual and gender identity needs. You can also find support from organisation in the city like  The LGBT CENTRE and TRADE Sexual Health.

Your personal advisor can also give you advice and help you to challenge any discrimination you face as a care experienced adult. We are proud of you, and you should be to.

Safe Families Partnership: for children works hand-in-hand with us to link local volunteers who can offer support for those care experience young people with mentoring and befriending. The family friend can befriend socially isolated young people, helping them to develop healthy coping strategies.

If you are a parent

Your personal advisor can help you find support if you are pregnant or have a young child. Children’s Centres are great places to find things like parenting groups and other support for young families with children under 5.