When you’ll meet your Personal Advisor (PA)

Your Pathway Plan

Your Personal Advisor (PA) starts working with you from age 16, alongside your social worker. They understand that everyone’s journey is different and will support you at your pace, in a way that feels right for you.

When you turn 18, your social worker steps back but your PA stays. They will keep in touch, check how you’re doing, and support you as you take next steps into adulthood. They will continue to support / guide you up to the age of 25.

“I got to know my PA at the grand old age of 16 and you should too. If you’re under 18, remember to ask your social worker who your PA is, if you’re not sure.”

- Rob, Care Leaver

What does a PA help with?

A Personal Advisor (PA) is someone who supports you as you move from care into adult life. They are there to listen, guide you, and help you plan for what’s ahead.

Your personal advisor will help progress and review your pathway plan. This is a plan all about you; your goals, your needs, and the future you want. It also sets out what support you will get and how people will help you along the way and how to help you become an independent adult.

Here are some of the things they can help with:

With your health

Booking appointments and helping you become more confident to do this yourself
Finding and using health services
Moving from children's to adult healthcare
Provide support to seek and engage with mental health services

With money matters

Understanding your allowances or managing a salary
Extra financial support (if you qualify)
Applying for government benefits (if you qualify)
Setting up a savings account
Local grants and support in your community
Applying for important documents

With your education

Work in partnership with the Virtual School to support you
Equipment you need for school, college, or training and accessing the offer available to you
Applying for grants you qualify for
Course fees
Extra learning support if you need it

Getting ready for work

Interview clothes
Travel costs
Getting important ID documents

Finding a place to live

Talking through all your housing options
Understanding what it’s like to have your own place (rent, bills, furniture)
Support with benefits you may be entitled to
Helping you to set up key payments, manage money and bills

Extra support during difficult times or big life changes

If things feel difficult or there are big changes in your life, such as becoming a parent, going through the asylum process, worries about being potentially being evicted or having contact with the police, experiencing financial difficulty eg. debt, your PA is there to support you. You do not have to deal with things on your own.

If you want to talk something through or find out what support is available, you can always reach out to your PA.

You can also find more information on the extra help for life's situations page.