Every year 10,000 young people leave care and many are thrust into the adult world before they are ready, facing a life without the support of family and friends that so many of us take for granted.

Young people tell us theyre missing the skills and trusted people they need to help them navigate this new chapter in their lives. Some lack a positive adult role model, while others struggle to access education, employment, health services, or to maintain financial security.

Every young person in care and leaving care should expect to receive the very best care alongside the support and love they need to thrive. The impact of having been in care does not end at 18, 21 or even 25. It is a continuous lifetime experience that can have lasting effects.

To tackle the issue, we have created Side by Side a programme which will help young people to bridge the gap between leaving care and finding their own way in the world, providing a broad range of support and mentoring.

The support on offer to young people taking part in the scheme will include access to a dedicated Side by Side volunteer to support them for a minimum of 12 months; up to 10 hours of advocacy support, if required, from a NYAS qualified and independent advocate and access to the NYAS freephone helpline in the evenings and weekends for support and/or signposting.

They will also receive a Side by Side care leavers information pack with useful key contacts and practical advice, along with a job interview guarantee and opportunities to undertake modern apprenticeships, work shadowing or short-term work placements. Assistance will also be given with job applications, C.V. preparation, interviewing skills and filling in official forms (housing, benefits, university, college etc.)

Each young person will also be offered the chance to undergo NYAS mentoring training, free of charge, enabling them to become peer mentors for other young people joining the programme.

For every young care leaver we support, we need to raise £3,600 in voluntary donations, every year.

To show your support please create a fundraising page or make a one off donation.

We want every young person who leaves care to have the opportunity to thrive and be offered the same life chances as their peers to fulfil their full potential.

Thank you for your support

For further information please email sidebyside@nyas.net