For young people leaving care, the transition to independent living can be daunting. Everyday tasks like managing money, paying bills and looking after their health are all essential skills that can be difficult to navigate without guidance or support. Without suitable guidance, many care leavers can feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of adult life.
Somerset Council has been using ASDAN’s Moving On programme to help care leavers gain confidence, develop vital life skills and prepare for independence. Since its launch, the course has supported young people across the county, giving them the tools to thrive as they move on from care.
Learning for real life
Moving On was designed with direct input from care leavers, social workers and providers. This means the programme reflects the realities young people face as they make the transition to adulthood.
Learners explore five key modules that mirror different aspects of independent living:
- Building a home
- Managing money
- Being healthy
- Relating to people
- Starting your career
Young people select the modules most relevant to their circumstances, working alongside a trusted adult such as a leaving care worker, foster carer or key worker. Activities within each module can then be adapted to match the learner’s needs, abilities and interests.
Pam Walters, Senior Leaving Care Worker for Somerset Council (Sedgemoor area), has seen the programme’s impact first-hand:
“The books are so geared up for our young people, whatever level they are at. The flexibility means we can make it work for everyone. Some will only manage the multiple-choice questions, and we’ll support them with the rest. Others want to do everything independently. It’s even been used in prison settings – it really does adapt to the learner’s reality.”
From tick-box to transformation
Many young people initially view the Moving On course as just another requirement to prove they are ‘move-on ready.’ But as they progress through the workbooks, their perspective shifts.
“They might start because they feel they have to,” says Pam, “but while they’re working through the books, they realise how useful they are. One learner said to me, ‘I didn’t even know I’d have to think about paying electric bills in different ways.’ They’re learning practical things that would otherwise catch them out later.”
This change in mindset – from obligation to empowerment – is one of the key reasons the programme is making such a difference.
A learner’s voice
One young person supported by Pam described the effect Moving On has had:
“I enjoyed learning how to deal with electricity and what to do in an emergency. The books taught me loads of different skills – how to budget money, look after my home, cook and be healthy. They’ve had a positive impact on my well-being and set me up for when I get my own place. Honestly, I wouldn’t ask for anything better. These books are amazing for young people in care.”
Pam recalls that this learner, who has autism, was hesitant at first but is now on her fifth workbook.
“She’s realised how much she’s learned, even spending hours researching topics herself. That level of engagement is incredible. It’s shown her that she’s capable of far more than she thought.”
Consistency and continuity
For care leavers, frequent moves between placements can make it difficult to sustain progress. Moving On offers a sense of stability and ownership. Because the books belong to the learner, they take them from placement to placement, ensuring their progress continues without interruption.
“If they move from one setting to another, the next worker just carries on where they left off,” says Pam. “That consistency is invaluable.”
Since Somerset Council introduced the course county-wide, uptake has grown rapidly. In the Sedgemoor area alone, nearly 90 books have been completed in the past year.
Confidence through achievement
Certificates of completion also provide an important sense of achievement. For many care leavers, it may be the first certificate they have ever received.
“Some of our young people have never had a certificate before,” Pam explains. “When they complete a book, I make sure the certificate is printed in colour on card. For many, that’s something they frame and put on the wall. It’s a tangible achievement they can be proud of.”
This recognition helps boost self-esteem and motivates learners to continue building their skills.
Support that makes a difference
Pam also highlights the importance of ASDAN’s support in ensuring the programme is delivered consistently across the county.
“The ASDAN team are so supportive. If we’ve got a problem or we’re unsure about something, there’s always someone at the end of the phone or an email. That means everyone’s working together to make it work for the learners, which is a real positive.”
This responsiveness has given staff confidence and clarity when delivering the programme, ensuring that learners get the full benefit.
A lifeline for care leavers
Ultimately, Pam says, “Moving On does more than prepare young people for independent living. It gives them confidence, knowledge and a sense of achievement.
People call me the ‘ASDAN dealer’ because I always have the books in the boot of my car. Wherever I go, I talk about them because I genuinely believe in the programme. It’s practical, useful, and genuinely works for our young people. It gives them something real to hold onto as they move towards independence.”
Find out more
If you’d like to explore delivering Moving On with your learners, our team are happy to help – please fill out this expression of interest to start a conversation.