Sources of support

Personal adviser

You will have a personal adviser (PA) until you turn 25-years-old. Your personal adviser will support you to develop the skills you need so you can cope with the responsibilities of adult life. 

They will meet you regularly. This will be at least every eight weeks.

How they will help you

Your personal adviser will help make sure you: 

• Have a safe place to live 
• Get all the support you need for your health, education, employment or training needs 
• Access other services you might need. For example, mental health services, drug and alcohol services and family planning 
• Claim all your entitlements, including your bursary 

This should all be written in your pathway plan. 

Independent advocate

Care leavers in Norfolk can have an advocate who can speak on your behalf.

You have the right to have your say and be listened to, when we are making decisions about you.

An advocate can help you to speak out about what is important to you.  

Advocacy support in Norfolk

The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) provides advocacy and legal representation to young people and adults in Norfolk. 

NYAS advocates are always on your side. They are independent and do not work for Children's Services. They are there only for you.

An advocate won't make decisions for you, offer legal advice, give their personal opinion or tell you what to do. 

Learn more

• Visit the NYAS website
• Contact NYAS's freephone helpline on 0808 808 1001

If you prefer, you can ask your social worker or someone you trust to contact NYAS on your behalf.

Additional needs support

Moving on to adult life can be difficult if you have additional needs.

Preparing for Adult Life service

Our Preparing for Adult Life (PfAL) service can help you if you need extra support through adult social care.

The PfAL service will work with you and your personal adviser and carers. They will let you know what help is available and it is ready when you need it. This will be part of your care and pathway planning. They will normally carry out a PfAL conversation before you are 17-years-old. This is to find out more about you and your future plans. They will then carry out a Care Act assessment at an appropriate time. This to understand what adult social care support you may need after you turn 18-years-old.

Preparing for Adult Life web pages

Ask your personal adviser to go through the advice and information in the Preparing for Adult Life section of our website with you.

SEND Local Offer for children and young people

You might also find the SEND Local Offer for children and young people a helpful source of information.