This section covers the methods we use to keep in touch with our Care Leavers. We also include a list of our key contacts at the council, plus details of useful organisations.
Care Leavers WhatsApp community
We have a WhatsApp community to share updates and help Care Leavers connect. Within the community, there are different WhatsApp groups you can choose to join, for example:
- Staying Connected (general group)
- Together as Parents (care leavers who are parents)
- We are also interested in creating other groups - tell us what would be helpful
We also post the monthly Care Leavers' newsletter in the WhatsApp community.
How to join: If you are aged 18 to 25 and are one of our Care Leavers, you can request to join. Email leavingcare@peterborough.gov.uk and we'll help you to join.
Monthly Care Leavers newsletter
We share a monthly newsletter with job opportunities, activities, events, and updates about what support is available. This is shared with Personal Advisors and in our WhatsApp community. Please look out for it. If you can’t find it, ask your Personal Advisor or contact the Leaving Care Team.
Annual Care Leavers survey
Every year from July to August, we run an annual survey for our Care Leavers. This is your chance to tell us what has worked well and what needs to improve about the support and services you’ve received. We use your feedback to update the Local Offer and improve services for Care Leavers.
How to access: information on how to complete the survey will be shared by your Social Worker, Personal Advisor, the Leaving Care Team or your Independent Reviewing Officer, and it will also be shared in the WhatsApp community. Please consider completing it. Your feedback helps us improve support for other young people too.
Care Leavers Hub
The Care Leavers Hub is a welcoming place where Care Leavers can drop in, meet other Care Leavers, and speak to teams providing support. Visit our Care Leavers Hub page for more information.
Have your say
You can get involved, meet other Care Leavers, and help improve services.
- Peterborough Care Leaders (Care Leavers Forum)
- Young Recruiters / Young Trainers / Young Inspectors
To get involved, please contact the Participation Team: participation@peterborough.gov.uk.
Key contacts for Care Leavers at Peterborough City Council
If you need any additional support, feel free to contact any of the teams below or reach out to your Personal Advisor. We are here to help you:
- Peterborough Leaving Care Team
Email: LeavingCare@peterborough.gov.uk
Phone: 07773 576469 - Care Leaver Local Offer Lead – Elle Johnson
Email: Elle.Johnson@peterborough.gov.uk
Phone: 07483 980767 - Virtual School for anything education, employment or training related
Email: VirtualSchool@peterborough.gov.uk - The Complaints Team
Email: complaints@peterborough.gov.uk
Phone: 01733 296331 - The Participation Team
Email: participation@peterborough.gov.uk
Local support services for Care Leavers
Centre 33
Centre 33 offers free, confidential support for young people up to the age of 25. They cover mental health, housing and sexual health.
- Phone: 0333 4141 809
- Text/WhatsApp: 07514 783745
- Email: hello@centre33.org.uk
- Visit the Centre 33 Peterborough website
Terrence Higgins Trust
The Terrence Higgins Trust can provide support with HIV and STI testing, advice and LGBTQ+ support groups. They are located at Aspire Recovery, 102-104 Bridge Street, Peterborough, PE1 1DY.
Visit the Terrence Higgins Trust Peterborough website.
Kooth
Kooth is a free anonymous platform for mental health support. Its offer includes live chat, forums and self-help resources.
Keep Your Head
Keep Your Head is a website offering local mental health resources, self-help guides, and service directories for young people.
Visit the Keep Your Head website.
The Kite Trust
The Kite Trust supports LGBTQ+ young people through group sessions, one-to-one support, and events.
- Phone: 01223 369508
- Email: info@thekitetrust.org.uk
- Visit The Kite Trust website
- Join The Kite Trust using their online form
Lifeline Plus
Lifeline Plus is a mental health and wellbeing helpline for people aged 18+ in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. It is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm.
Mencap
Mencap is a UK charity that supports people with learning disabilities by providing guidance on independent living, education, employment, and advocacy.
National organisations that support Care Leavers
The Rees Foundation
The Rees Foundation offers lifelong support for young people who have experienced local authority care or residential care.
National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS)
NYAS provides independent advocacy and support for young people in care and Care Leavers.
Become
Become helps care leavers with advice, advocacy, and emotional support as they transition into adulthood.
British Red Cross - Family Tracing Service
The British Red Cross helps reunite families who have been separated and offers support for Care Leavers searching for family members.
Barnardo's
Barnardo's provides guidance, support, and advice for young people leaving care, including housing and financial advice.