You are unique and we want to support you to be the best version of yourself.
We recognise the importance of enduring relationships. These relationships are defined as consistent, lasting connections that provide emotional security, warmth, responsiveness, dependability and shared positive experiences. Evidence shows that young people with at least one such relationship experience improved educational and health outcomes, a reduced risk of harm, increased resilience and greater life satisfaction.
Our ambition is for you to grow up with enduring, trusted relationships that provide stability and a sense of belonging into adulthood. This is to help you feel safe, loved and able to thrive. We want to support connections with family, friends and other trusted adults who are important to you before, during and after your care experience.
Contact us to find out more about our Staying Put, Staying Close and Mentoring schemes.
Every young person needs relationships like these to develop a strong sense of identity and reach adulthood with confidence.
We know from what you have told us in person and through surveys that your relationships with your Personal Advisers are important and valued. We also know that many of you have concerns about your 25th birthday, when our legal responsibilities come to an end. We have continued to listen, support and celebrate your successes beyond this point when you have got in touch. From 2026, we have made this support an entitlement through our Lifelong Offer.
Your Personal Adviser will treat you with respect. They will take time to get to know you and find out what you like and dislike.
We will help you to access things, people and places meaningful to you. We will help you to celebrate your achievements in a way right for you.
Your Personal Adviser will celebrate your individual achievements with you.
If you are an EU, other EAA or Swiss citizen and already have pre-settled status, the Home Office has introduced a new process to automatically convert eligible pre settled status holders to settled status (after continuously living in the UK for 5 years) without the need for a further application.
This should happen automatically for all of those who are eligible.
Care Leavers month celebrates care leavers and raises awareness of the issues for care experienced young people. It usually falls in November.
Celebrating Dorset’s LGBTQ+ youth community.
Dorset Council and Weymouth College host Chesil Youth Pride in partnership with the police and others. The event, which celebrated its second year in 2024, was created as a result of feedback Dorset Council received from LGBTQ+ young people in the Chesil locality. It provides a safe space to celebrate identity and who the young people are.
Space Youth Project provides support, guidance and opportunities to connect with other LGBTQ+ young people across Dorset and beyond.
Young people who live in a residential children’s home or some supported accommodation are expected to move out when they turn 18, with all formal support from their children’s home coming to an end. This stage in a young person’s life can be daunting and often requires more support than ever before.
Staying Close provides young people with ongoing support post-18. This support can be from a previous foster carer, teacher or trusted adult. This support aims to address the ‘cliff-edge’ of leaving care to aid in a smooth transition into independent living. The support will look different for each young person and can be requested at any stage that the young person feels they need it, up until the age of 25.
Maintaining relationships with trusted adults, friends, and peers is a key aim of Dorset Council’s Staying Close offer. This support can be provided by the key worker of the young person's choice.
It can include both practical and emotional support, depending on the young person's needs. Some examples include:
If you have any questions or would like to know more as a provider please: email: [email protected]
