Hartlepool care leaver offer

Our Local Offer for care leavers is a package of support provided by Hartlepool Borough Council to help you prepare for independence.

The offer is available up to age 25 and includes statutory entitlements and additional support based on your needs. It covers areas such as housing, employment, health, finances and community participation.

What is included?

Hartlepool’s care leaver offer supports you in eight key areas:

1. Accommodation and housing
2. You and your community
3. Health and wellbeing
4. Your voice
5. Our support to you
6. Finances
7. Education, training and employment
8. Relationships and participation in society

Things you may be entitled to

As a care leaver in Hartlepool, you could:

• join the housing register from age 17 years 6 months and have Priority Band 2 when applying for accommodation
• access Staying Close support if eligible
• receive a Setting Up Home Allowance to help furnish your home
• get help obtaining ID documents
• have a referral made for an Independent Visitor or Mentor
• receive discounts on water bills
• get financial support for university or apprenticeships
• be exempt from council tax if you have a property in your own name
• apply for a free Active Card membership at Mill House, Brierton and Headland gyms
• access a free bus pass
• receive your Health Passport with details from your time in care
• get support from START for substance misuse, including a dedicated Care Leaver Champion
• access support for care-experienced parents/expectant parents and young people in custody
• join groups to share your voice and influence change for care leavers of Hartlepool
• get help from a dedicated worker in our Hub for employment, training and education

Important information

• The Local Offer is unique to each local authority. If you move to a new area, you will remain responsible to the local authority who had the Care Order / Section 20.
• Eligibility criteria apply. Speak to your Personal Advisor or check our Who is a Care Leaver section for details.

Hartlepool’s Care Leaver Offer is reviewed regularly to make sure we provide the best support possible. If you would like to contact the team to find out about the offer and any updates, please use our online form below and direct your query to Childrens services - Leaving Care Team.

The information of this offer is also available as a inforgraphic download:

Hartlepool care leavers offer 2025