Youth Hub
This dedicated section of the website is designed to provide young people and their families with a range of resources aimed at promoting safety and connecting them with individuals or organisations that can offer support and make a positive impact.
These resources can be valuable tools for staying safe and addressing any challenges or concerns that may arise.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
CAMHS provides emotional and behavioural support to young people up to the age of 18. The support offered ranges from assessments, treatments, and support for mental health difficulties.
CAMHS provides various interventions, including therapy, medication, and family support, to help young people overcome their difficulties and achieve their potential.
How can a referral be made to CAMHS?
Referrals to CAMHS can be made by the following:
- Social care. e.g. social workers, assist workers.
- Youth work. e.g. Connexions Personal Assistants (PPA).
- Health. e.g. General Practitioners (GPs), School nurses, Paediatricians.
- Youth justice. e.g. Police, Youth Offending Team (YOT) workers.
- Education. e.g. Educational Psychologists, (Special Educational Needs Coordinators) SENCos
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a severe form of child sexual abuse that involves an individual or a group exploiting a child or young person under the age of 18. The perpetrators manipulate or deceive the child, taking advantage of an imbalance of power, and coerce them into sexual activity in exchange for something they need or want or for the financial or status gain of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may appear to consent to the sexual activity, but they are still being sexually exploited. It is important to note that CSE can occur without physical contact and can also take place through the use of technology. The definition is according to the Department for Education in 2017.
Education, Employment & Training
Financial support options can help cover all necessary expenses.
Benefits entitlements are government-funded programs that provide financial assistance to those in need, such as those who are unemployed, disabled, or have a low income.
Grants are usually provided by charities, trusts, or other organizations to assist individuals in specific situations, such as students or those experiencing financial hardship.
It is essential to research and understand the eligibility criteria and application process for each benefit entitlement or grant to determine which ones you may be eligible for.
Lesbian Gay Bi-sexual Transgender Queer (LGBTQ)
The LGBTQ community as individuals with a sexual orientation or gender identity different from the majority, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning people.
The community faces discrimination, bullying, and harassment, leading to mental health issues.
The UK promotes equality and protects LGBTQ rights through legislation, such as the Equality Act 2010.
Accessing supportive and creative services to understand gender identity can be helpful for individuals who are exploring their gender identity or questioning their gender identity.
These services may include counselling or therapy, support groups, workshops, and educational resources.
Support for Care Leaver Seeking Further Education
Young people who are care leavers and wish to purse further education maybe eligible for special financial and social care support.
Financial Services
Financial support options can help cover all necessary expenses.
Benefits entitlements are government-funded programs that provide financial assistance to those in need, such as those who are unemployed, disabled, or have a low income.
Grants are usually provided by charities, trusts, or other organizations to assist individuals in specific situations, such as students or those experiencing financial hardship.
It is essential to research and understand the eligibility criteria and application process for each benefit entitlement or grant to determine which ones you may be eligible for
Missing Childern
In the UK, a missing child is defined as any person under the age of 18 who is absent from their usual place of residence or care, and whose whereabouts cannot be established and where the circumstances indicate that the person is at risk of harm. This can include children who have run away from home, been abducted, or are missing for other reasons.
The UK government and police have established various protocols and procedures to manage missing children cases and to ensure their safe return. This includes conducting searches, gathering information and intelligence, and working with partner agencies and the public to locate missing children and safeguard their welfare.
It is important to report any concerns about a missing child to the police or a relevant authority as soon as possible, as early intervention can significantly increase the likelihood of a safe and successful outcome.
Sexual Health
Confidential sexual health advice and support, including contraception, check-ups, and safety, is available from wellbeing experts at no cost. Seeking such advice from reputable healthcare providers or support organisations can help maintain good sexual health and make informed decisions.
Care Planning, Referral and Admission
Oyster Supported living receive all referrals through our website, email or by telephone. However, Risk Assessment from the referring agency is required, which will be followed by an internal risk assessment conducted by one of our in-house Qualified Social Workers.
Once a young person arrives at our provision, we prepare an inventory of their possessions. If the young person arrives with inadequate or damaged clothing, we will agree on a budget to purchase essential items such as clothing, toiletries, and personal items as soon as possible.
Within five working days, we schedule and convene a Placement Agreement Meeting. Whenever possible, this meeting is held on the same day of admission.
Care Plans are reviewed and revised as necessary, with input from the young person and their key professionals from both private and statutory agencies. We strongly encourage young people to participate in their care plan so that their voices are heard and tailored to meet their needs and all plans must be Specific measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART).
