Information and Support: Children and Young People in care or leaving care

If you or someone you know needs support being in care or leaving care, the following organisations offer advice and support.

Become offers confidential help and advice to young people in, or who have been in care.

Phone: 0800 023 2033

Visit the Become website

Care Leavers’ Association provides information, advice to all care leavers over the age of 16 and signposting to services that can help.

Visit the Care Leavers’ Association website

NYAS National Youth Advocacy Service provides range of support options for children and young people, from independent advocacy to care leaver support.

Phone: 0808 808 1001

Visit the NYAS website

ChildLine is a free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk.

Phone: 0800 1111

Visit the ChildLine website

Citizens Advice Service provides information on benefits, employment and housing and help on debt, credit and legal issues.

Visit the Citizens Advice Service website

The Mix provide non-judgmental support and information for young people under 25 on a variety of issues including mental wellbeing, sex & relationships, bullying, exam stress, money, drugs and self-harm.

Webchat available.

If you’re aged 25 or under, and are experiencing a personal crisis, such as suicidal thoughts, abuse or assault, you can text THEMIX to 85258.

Visit The Mix website

Meic provides bilingual information, advice and advocacy to children and young people up to the age of 25 in Wales.

Webchat is available via the website.

Phone/WhatsApp: 080880 23456 or Text to 84001

Visit the Meic website

If you have suffered abuse in care, the following organisations may be able to help.

The National Association for People Abused in Childhood offers support, advice and guidance to adult survivors of any form of childhood abuse.

Phone: 0808 801 0331

Visit the National Association for People Abused in Childhood website

Future Pathways offers help and support to people who were abused or neglected as children while they were living in care in Scotland.

Phone: 0808 164 2005

Visit the Future Pathways website.

Visit our support page for Sexual abuse