Financial support and wellbeing

Finding a job, training, or starting your own business can be hard. Having other problems to deal with can make it more difficult so it’s important to get advice and look after yourself.

Money advice

How to claim benefits

You can claim Universal Credit to help you while you are looking for a job. You need to be over 18 (there are some exceptions if you are 16 to 17).

GOV.UK has information on what Universal Credit is and how to claim.

You can also watch this video.

Check the benefits calculators on GOV.UK to help you find out what you may be able to claim.

This includes benefits that you can claim if you have a special educational need or disability, or if you are a young carer.

Help with debt

Dealing with debt can make it hard for you to focus on anything else. There are many services that can help you plan your money and get advice about debt.

You can read our information on getting independent financial advice to find local support.

The Prince’s Trust website has information on where to get free debt advice.

Young care leavers

We provide financial support to young adults leaving care up to the age of 25. If you are a care leaver you can get:

• a leaving care grant (setting up home allowance)
• a bursary (for people aged 16 – 19 years)
• a higher education bursary (for going to university)
• accommodation for university students out of term time
• help with education, employment, and training costs

You can read more about what support we give young people leaving care.

We have an app called ‘Bridges’ where you can learn more about other help for care leavers. You can download this from Google and Apple.

Our youth employment team (works4youth) can help if you would like to speak to someone.

Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

You can read more about managing your money on our local offer website.

GOV.UK has information on financial help if you are a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability.

We have career navigators that can provide 1 to 1 support if you are over 16 and have a learning difficulty.

Housing and homelessness

If you are looking for your own house our HomeChoice website has information on housing options.

We also have information for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Shelter have expert housing advisers you can talk to if you’re in urgent need of housing advice. You can call the Shelter helpline on 0808 800 4444 or Shelter website.

Mental health

It is natural to struggle with your mental health at times. It is better to get help from others than try to cope on your own.

You can find mental health and wellbeing support on our One You website.

The NHS also has self-care videos and a mind plan quiz.

Drugs and alcohol

We have a confidential Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service that can help if you have a dependency on drugs or alcohol.

You can find out more and refer yourself to this service:

• email ypservice@southglos.gov.uk
• phone 01454 866000 (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm)

You can find more information on how to drink less on our One You website.

Young carers

If you are under 18 and caring for someone (giving practical or emotional support) then you are a young carer.

This may be rewarding but it can also be a lot of responsibility.

The NHS website has information on being a young carer and your rights.

Physical health

Looking after your physical health is also a way of improving your mental health.
You can do this by being active and trying to eat the right foods.

Sports England has ideas on helping you stay active.

Our One You website has information on active living and how to eat well.

Other things that can help

• NHS – One You apps
• The National Autistic Society – autistic fatigue and burnout
• Be kind to your mind – headspace app