If you’ve just left care — or you’re about to — let me say this first:
You’re not alone, and you’re not expected to have it all figured out.

I won’t lie — the moment you turn 18, the world expects a lot from you. One minute you’re in foster care, a residential home, or supported housing… and the next, you’re ticking boxes, applying for benefits, finding a flat, and trying to “adult” in a system that forgets you’re still figuring out who you even are.

If that feels terrifying, overwhelming, or unfair — that’s because it is.

💔 The Reality of ‘Independence’

For most people, leaving home is a gradual process. There’s usually a safety net: family to fall back on, someone to call when the washing machine breaks or when dinner burns.

But for care leavers, that safety net can vanish overnight.

You might be handed keys to a flat and told, “Good luck.”
You might feel like you should be grateful — but inside, you’re terrified.
And that’s valid.

Leaving care isn’t just a milestone. It’s a huge emotional shift.
Loneliness, anxiety, and fear of failure are common — even if no one talks about it.

🧠 Support for Your Mental Health

You’ve been through a lot. And you deserve support that recognises that.

Here are some places that understand what you’re facing:
– Become Charity – https://www.becomecharity.org.uk
– Barnardo’s – https://www.barnardos.org.uk
– Catch22 National Leaving Care Forum – https://www.catch-22.org.uk
– Samaritans – Call 116 123, free and confidential 24/7

You might also be entitled to a personal adviser until the age of 25. If you’ve lost contact with yours, contact your local authority and ask for a re-referral.

💷 Financial Help in Coventry and Beyond

Starting from scratch is expensive. Don’t be afraid to ask for support.

– Community Support Grants – Coventry City Council:
  https://www.coventry.gov.uk/crisisgrants
– Universal Credit, PIP, and Housing Benefit:
  https://www.turn2us.org.uk or https://www.entitledto.co.uk
– Mark Hewitson Foundation 💝💕💛:
  https://markhewitsonfoundation.org/apply-for-a-grant

🏡 Help with Housing & Living Independently

Getting a roof over your head is one thing. Keeping it, managing it, and feeling safe in it is another.

– The House Project (Warwickshire): https://warwickshire.thehouseproject.org
– YMCA Coventry & Warwickshire: https://ymca-cw.org.uk
– St Basils: https://stbasils.org.uk
– Coventry Care Leaver Offer: https://www.coventry.gov.uk/careleavers

💬 You Deserve Stability, Not Just Survival

The system might expect you to grow up overnight, but healing takes time. Building a life takes time. You’re not failing — you’re figuring it out in circumstances that would break most people.

So here’s what I want to leave you with:
– You’re not weak for struggling.
– You’re allowed to ask for help.
– You don’t have to do it all alone.
– And your past doesn’t get to define your worth.

You’re here. You made it this far. That’s strength, not failure.

And when you need support — the Mark Hewitson Foundation is here too x